Social Plan for community wellbeing 2007 - 2012
Part 2 – Shire, Town and Village Profiles
FINAL 2007
The Social Plan for Community Wellbeing 2007 - 2012 was adopted by Cooma-Monaro Shire Council at its meeting on 14 May 2007
Copies of this Plan are available • on disk from Council’s office at 81 Commissioner Street, Cooma or on request by writing to Council at PO Box 714 Cooma NSW 2630, or • by downloading from Council’s website http://www.cooma.nsw.gov.au/strategicplanning/ • at the Monaro Regional Library and Information Service
If copies of this Plan are required in another format eg large print please contact Council
Enquiries should be directed to Council’s Environmental Services Division on 6450 1777.
Acknowledgements Cooma-Monaro Shire Council acknowledges the memory of the Aboriginal People who lived in this region over many generations, and other Aboriginal People who have come to live in Cooma-Monaro Shire. Council acknowledges their ancestors with respect and also supports the principles of reconciliation and justice.
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council acknowledges the ancestors of all others in our communities, the pioneers who toiled for the prosperity we enjoy, the migrants who brought us new cultural understandings, and the servicemen and women who fought for a society where people are fairly treated, regardless of religion or race.
Input to the Plan Council would like to thank the contribution of the members of the Cooma-Monaro Shire Council Section 355 Social Planning Committee and members of the community for their commitment to the task and efforts over the last two years in the preparation of the Social Plan; Frances Browne, Tracy Crompton, Taya Greenwood, Wendy Grayson, Aaron Neeves, Samantha Peel, Camilla McDonald, Chris Clarke, June Dykes, Heather Little, Jip Goodsell, Nou Nou Khouri, Prasan Sharp, Yvi Henderson, Rita Brademan, Alison Howell, Caroline Peschek, Christine Crowe, Debbie Thomas, Karen Gurney, Leony Power, Paula Harrison, Eddie Cruise, Meagan Perry, and MergeR Consulting for data collection.
Social/Community Plans of Eurobodalla, East Gippsland Shires and Queanbeyan City Council were consulted in the compilation of this Plan.
References This Plan has been informed by the following set of data analysis prepared for Cooma-Monaro Shire Council: Cooma-Monaro Community Analyst and Supplements, Population Sketches and Portrait, based on the Cooma-Monaro (A) ABS collection district, and includes data for the Michelago collection district, prepared by The Public Practice Pty Ltd. It should be noted that these documents have been informed by a vast array of resources produced from a range of sources, including the following: ABS 2001 Census, 2002 Regional Profiles Population Target Groups: Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Department of Family and Community Services, NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, NSW Department of Education and Training, NSW Department of Community Services, NSW Department of Housing, NSW Department of Juvenile Justice, NSW Health and NSW Roads and Traffic Authority.
NSW New South Wales PACT Police Accountability Community Team ACRONYMS SoE State of Environment Report ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics SEIFA Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas ACT Australian Capital Territory TAFE NSW Technical and Further Education BEC Snowy Business Enterprise Centre CALD Culturally and Linguistically diverse CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service CD Collection District CMSC Cooma-Monaro Shire Council CPTED Crime Prevention through Environmental Design CWA Country Women’s Association DADHC NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care DCS NSW Department of Corrective Services DET NSW Department of Education & Training DLG NSW Department of Local Government DoCS NSW Department of Community Services DSRD NSW Department of State and Regional Development DV Domestic Violence DVLO Domestic Violence Liaison Officer FRC Family Relationships Centre GSAHS Greater Southern Area Health Service LAC Local Area command LEP Local Environment Plan LGA Local Government Area MoT Ministry of Transport NCCPP National Community Crime Prevention Program
iv SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Map 3.1 Cooma-Monaro Shire and surrounding areas 3. COOMA-MONARO SHIRE PROFILE
Overview The Cooma-Monaro Shire is situated in the southern tablelands of NSW; part of NSW known as the South-east. Cooma lies approximately 105km south of Canberra, 110km west of the south coast region, and 100km from the NSW snowfields.
The Shire adjoins Palerang Council and the Australian Capital Territory in the north, Tumut, Snowy River and Bombala Councils to the west and south, and Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire Councils to the east.
Cooma-Monaro Shire has a total land area of 5,229 square kilometres1, which includes national parks and nature reserves, agricultural land, forests, villages, and the town of Cooma.
Map 2 illustrates the location of Cooma and the Shire’s villages.
The Shire is part of several regions, the Alpine Region, Monaro, and the ACT and Subregion. The Alpine Region incorporates the LGAs of Tumut, Snowy River, Bombala, Tumburumba and Cooma-Monaro.
Source: Government agencies and Cooma-Monaro Shire Council
1 DLG 2006
26 Social Plan for community wellbeing
The Monaro region encompasses the areas administered by 9,8245. The population of Cooma-Monaro comprised 4.8% of Bombala, Snowy River and Cooma-Monaro Shire Councils. the South East region6 of NSW. Many parts of the Shire are This region covers approximately 15,200 square kilometres extremely isolated, and considerable resources are dedicated and has a total population of about 19,7002. Cooma is the to building roads to reduce the distances that separate many commercial and service centre of the Monaro region. rural residents from Cooma.
The permanent population of Snowy River Shire is in excess The population density of Cooma-Monaro Shire averaged 1.9 of 7,3003, however this figure rises to around 20,000 in the persons per square kilometre in 2004.7 This was higher than winter months. Bombala Council has an estimated population some nearby local government areas such as Snowy River of 2,5004. (1.2 persons per square kilometre), and Bombala (0.6), but lower than others such as Bega Valley (5.1), Yass Valley Cooma is located (by road) just under an hour and a half from (3.4), and Tumut (2.5). Cooma-Monaro Shire was also much Canberra, Queanbeyan, the South Coast and the ski fields, an less densely populated than the Australian Capital Territory hour from Bombala and Jindabyne, and two hours across the (density of 138 persons per square kilometre in 2004). mountains from Tumut. Canberra is the main source of specialist medical treatment outside the Shire for people living The Shire is accessed by road via two highways the Monaro across the three LGAs that make up the Monaro region. and the Snowy Mountains as seen in Map 2. A train service no longer operates. The airport is located twenty kilometres The region known as the ACT and Subregion included south of Cooma. It has a daily flight to Sydney. Cooma-Monaro Shire Council, the councils of (the former) Yarrowlumla, (the former) Yass, (the former) Gunning, Industry in the Shire includes agriculture, some horticulture Queanbeyan, Goulburn and Mulwaree and the ACT. With the (grapes, vegetables and lavender), tourism, the provision of recent local government amalgamations the form of this government and non-government services, construction and region has changed. The LGAs surrounding the ACT are now retail. Palerang, Yass Valley, Tumut, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Queabeyan City Council and Cooma-Monaro. Cooma provides services and facilities in a wide range of areas including health and community services, retail, As at June 2006 the Shire had an estimated population of government agencies and commercial services such as
2 DLG 2006 5 ABS 2007 3 DLG 2006 6 ABS 2007 4 DLG 2006 7 ABS 2006a
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 27
Social Plan for community wellbeing
banking. Agencies based in Cooma provide services to railway in the 1880s; summer and winter tourism from the communities across the Monaro to neighbouring Snowy River 1930s to the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme from Shire and Bombala Council. 1949 onwards. In 1873 the Cooma Gaol was opened. These events and subsequent population increases have lead to an In 2001 the Shire’s population was 9,4898. The town of expansion in the commercial, community and government Cooma had a population of approximately 6,9509, making it support industries. the largest urban area on the Monaro. Therefore the population outside Cooma in 2001 totalled 2,539 people (not Cooma–Monaro Shire Council was formed in 1981 from the including Michelago). amalgamation of Cooma Municipal Council and Monaro Shire Council. Outside of Cooma (including Polo Flat) there are forty three localities. These localities include the villages Nimmitabel In February 2004, the southern part of the former Yarrowlumla (population 235), Bredbo (population 156), Numeralla Council (the localities of Michelago, Williamsdale, Clear (estimated population of 70), and Michelago (estimated Range, The Angle, Bumbalong and parts of Burra) were population of 70). amalgamated with Cooma-Monaro Shire. The village of Michelago is now part of the Cooma-Monaro Shire. Shire History In the period prior to the arrivals of Europeans, the majority of the Monaro was occupied by several hundred indigenous people speaking the Ngarigo lanuguage10.
The Cooma-Monaro area was settled by non Aboriginal people from the 1820s when properties and settlements were established in Michelago, Bredbo and Bunyan. The village of Cooma was surveyed in 1849 and established shortly after.
The area has seen a range of economic activity from the Kiandra Gold Rush of the late 1850s and early 1860s; the
8 ABS 2002 9 ABS 2002 10 Young 2005 p 1
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 28
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
2003/04 and 2004/05 comparative performance information Demographic Profile for all councils in New South Wales. Note: 1. The demographic profile was developed prior to the 2001 Population and Housing Census – whole of shire release of the 2006 census data. See www.abs.gov.au population for release dates for 2006 census data. In 2001 the Shire’s population was 9,48912 excluding the 2. Michelago and Smiths Road (collection district localities of Michelago, Clear Range and The Angle. In 2001 1170602) has been included in profile data. the population of these localities was 28913. Thus the total population of the current Cooma-Monaro LGA, based on the The estimated Resident Population (ERP) is compiled by the 2001 census, is 9,778. ABS on 30 June of each census year, and updated quarterly between censuses. The ERP for the census year is Estimated resident population – whole of shire calculated from the census count of Place of Usual Residence Cooma-Monaro Shire’s estimated resident population at June adjusted for a. census underenumeration; b. numbers of 2006 was 9,824, at June 2005 it was calculated at 9,792, and residents who are temporarily overseas on census night and June 2004 at 9,77314. therefore not covered by the Australian Census; and c. population changes between 30 June and the census date The estimated resident population is determined by the ABS. (assuming it is not 30 June), taking into account of births and It is calculated from information provided to the ABS on deaths registrations and migration. number of rates notices, development data, and the impact of boundary changes15. Quarterly updates to the ERP are calculated taking into account births, deaths, overseas and interstate migration. According to the most recent estimated regional population Regression models are used to assist in the compilation of the figures16 just over half of Cooma-Monaro’s population was ERP at local levels, where detailed statistics are often male (50.7%) and just under half was female (40.3%). unavailable11.
The Department of Local Government produce an annual comparative analysis report on all local government authorities in NSW. The 15th edition contains 2002/03, 12 ABS 2002 13 ABS 2002 14 ABS 2006b 15 DLG 2006 11 ABS 2002 16 ABS 2006a
29 Social Plan for community wellbeing
Age Structure Figure 3.1 Age Structures of Cooma-Monaro Shire and NSW, 2004 Cooma-Monaro has a relatively old population compared with 85+ New South Wales as a whole. The median age of people in Cooma-Monaro was 41.5 years in June 2005 (ABS 2007), 80-84 compared with 36.9 for NSW. Cooma’s population is of a 75-79 similar age to other nearby local councils such as Snowy River (39.3), Bombala (43.8), Palerang (41.3), Yass Valley 70-74 17 (39.9) and Bega Valley (43.9) . 65-69
60-64 The median age of people in Cooma-Monaro has increased over the past ten years. It was 41.1 years in June 2004, 37 in 55-59 18 19 2001 , 35 in 1996, and 32 in 1991 . 50-54
p u 45-49 o NSW Compared with NSW, Cooma-Monaro has relatively large r g
e 40-44 Cooma-Monaro numbers of children and young people (from 5-19 years old) g and older people (40 years and older). It has relatively few A 35-39 people between the ages of 20-39. Figure 3.1 shows the age structure of Cooma-Monaro as estimated at June 200420. 30-34 25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4
0 5 10 Percentage of total population 17 ABS 2007 18 ABS 2006b; 2007 19 Source: ABS, 2006a Public Practice 2004 20 ABS 2006a
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 30
Social Plan for community wellbeing
fertility rate for Cooma-Monaro Shire between 2004 and 2005 Figure 3.2 Distribution of age groups from 1.96 to 2.08.
young adults 6% Young People 12-24 years
Gen-X The high-school age group, 12-17 years, grew by 3.3% (n316) 24 high school adults to 1,129 in 2001, constituting 11.6% of the population . 12% 17% 'boomer' adults 23% There were 567 young adults aged 18-24 years, a decrease of 1.9% (n187) constituting 5.8% of the population25.
primary mature Adults Aged 25-54 years school adults 12% 18% Those aged between 25 and 54 in 2001 have been broken down into two groups ‘Baby boomers’ are generally those pre-school 6% older born between 1946-1964. ‘Generation X’ are commonly persons believed to be those born between 1965-1980. The main 6% adult population in 2001 totalled 3,863. This can be broken Source: Public Practice, 2004 down into two groups (as indicated in figure 3.2) 2,165 baby boomers constituted 22% of the population, while 1,698 of Children 0-11 years Generation X constituted 17% of the population. The number Cooma-Monaro also had 602 pre-school aged children under of baby boomers rose by 137 since 1996 while the Generation five making up 6.2% of the population, down by 1% (n105) X population fell by 369. since 199621. Older People 55+ years There were 1,209 primary aged children aged 5-11 years, Mature-aged people 55-74 years; the generation going down by 0.2% (n32) which constituted 12.4% of the through retirement, totalled 1,769 in 2001, or 18% of the population 22. population. This group’s size has risen by 81 since 1996. Their share of the population rose by 1% since 1996, higher The ABS 2005 report23 on birth rates shows an increase in the than the NSW average. Older people, aged 75+ numbered 602, a rise of 90 or 1% of the population since 1996, 21 Public Practice 2004 22 Public Practice 2004 24 Public Practice 2004 23 ABS 2005 25 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 31
Social Plan for community wellbeing
constituting 6% of the population26. Figure 3.3 Population changes 2001-2004
Increase/decrease Population change -400 -300 -200 -100 0 100 200 Cooma-Monaro has seen changes in the population over time due to changes in industry e.g. agriculture and forestry and those seeking a rural lifestyle but retaining an urban-based occupation. Persons - 0-14 years Persons - 15-24 years Overall, Cooma-Monaro is showing significant signs of Persons - 25-39 years generational change. From 2001-2004, the 0-14 age group Persons - 40-54 years Persons - 55-74 years decreased in size by 289 people, or 12.9 percent (relative to Persons - 75+ numbers in 2001), and the 25-39 age group decreased in size by 124 people, or 6.8 percent. The fastest growing age groups were the 75+ age group, which grew by 133 people or 22.2 percent, the 15-24 age group, which grew by 82 people or 8.1 percent, and the 40-54 age group, which group by 147 Source: Data derived from ABS 2006a people or 6.8 percent27.
As illustrated in Figure 3.3 the numbers of people over the age of 40 increased from 2001-2004, continuing a trend evident since the mid 1990s, see Figure 3.4.
Figure 3.3 also shows that the number of children in Cooma- Monaro has been declining in recent years. This trend may need to be taken into account in future planning e.g. for schools and children’s services. However the trend could be reversed in the longer-term if the recent increases in total fertility rate28 are sustained.
26 Public Practice 2004 27 ABS 2006a 28 ABS 2006c
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 32
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Figure 3.4 Population changes 1996-2001 << decrease increase >> In addition, there will be an increased demand for services -600 -400 -200 0 200 400 and facilities such as a substantial library, educational pre-school opportunities, buildings for cultural activities, walking and bike paths, indoor pool and meeting places. It is also likely that primary school much of this ageing population will be on a limited income.
high school Cooma-Monaro’s population growth rate is 0.16% based on a five yearly average annual figure. The DLG have based this young adults figure on the ABS Regional Population Growth 200429 This growth incorporates the expanded LGA following the Gen-X adults amalgamation and subsequent boundary change. 'boomer' adults Prior to the amalgamation with part of Yarrowlumla Shire, and mature adults to the opening of the Defence Call Centre, and re-opening of the Cooma Correctional facility, abattoir, the population of older persons Cooma-Monaro had fallen by 0.04% per year (1996-2001); less than the 1.1% decrease across NSW30. Source: Public Practice 2004
As illustrated in Figure 3.4 there has been an increase in the Annual growth ranged from a rise of 1.5% in Bredbo and a numbers of people aged over 40 years. While this is seen as rise of approximately 0.8% in the north of Cooma, a fall of 1.8% living in central Cooma, and a fall of 2.6% living in having some desirable results for a community including a 31 large section of the community with a lot of life experience and Nimmitabel . skills who may be available for volunteering and community based work as they enter retirement, it is expected that as this In figures released by the ABS in 2007 Cooma-Monaro group ages there will be an increase in demand for community Estimated Resident Population grew by 0.1% per annum services and facilities which enable people to remain between 2001 and 2006, constituting a 0.4% percentage independent, for example community and medical transport and assistance with home modifications and domestic assistance to enable them to remain living independently in 29 DLG 2006 their own homes. 30 Public Practice 2004 31 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 33
Social Plan for community wellbeing
change from 2005-200632. people, housing 45% of the community36.
Population flows Figure 3.5 Percentage of households of each size While there has been some in-migration of people aged in their thirties and forties seeking ‘tree-change’ and employment 40% opportunities, this has not offset losses in younger age 35% groups. 1 person 30% Households 2 persons 25% Number of households 3 persons 20% In 2001 Cooma-Monaro had some 3,530 households (an increase of 40 since 1996), of which the overwhelming 4 persons 15% majority 70% were family households, including about 12, with 5 persons 10% more than one family33. 6 persons 5% Household size and type 0% The average family household had 3.1 people. There were C o o ma N SW also 70 group households (of unrelated people), which Source: Public Practice 2004 averaged 2.2 people34. Length of Residence Cooma-Monaro’s overall average household size, including its In Cooma-Monaro, 60% of people aged over five were still 1,000 single person households was 2.19 persons. This is living in the area in 2001. This residential stability is greater slightly less than the NSW average of 2.4235. than NSW’s rate of 56% and is similar to Cooma-Monaro's
stability in 1996 (59%). Relative to NSW, Cooma-Monaro's The most common household size was two-person (35% of 37 residential stability increased since 1996 . households) and 1 person (28%) households. Altogether, 25% of Cooma-Monaro’s households had four or more
32 ABS 2007 33 Public Practice 2004 34 Public Practice 2004 36 Public Practice 2004 35 Public Practice 2004 37 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 34
Social Plan for community wellbeing
There were 110 women living alone for every 100 men, a large proportion in Cooma, (135 women and 346 men), Cultural Diversity followed by Nimmitabel (81 women and 16 men) and in the In 2001 some 7,780 people living in Cooma-Monaro were rural area (32 women and 106 men). born in Australia, this comprised 80% of the population. Those born overseas constituted 14% of the population, 1,350 Children and young people people. Living with the couple and single-parent families were some 2,900 children and young people, which equalled 30% of the The 2001 Census was the first to ask people to describe their total households. ancestry. In Cooma-Monaro 47% gave their ancestry as Australian. Of the remainder the most commonly cited Older people ancestry was English (38%), Irish (14%), German (6%), Most older people aged over 55 live in couples, but the Scottish (3%), Italian (3%), Northern European (2%), Eastern proportion falls with age as one partner dies. In Cooma- European (2%) and Lebanese (1%). Smaller proportions Monaro in 2001 71% of men and 61% of women of mature cited Chinese, Greek and New Zealander (0.7%)38. age (55-74 years) lived in a couple, but by the ages 75+ these rates had fallen to 57% of men and just 22% of women. Living Arrangements Most commonly, people in Cooma-Monaro live as part of a As people age in increasing proportion live alone. In Cooma- couple, with 47% of people living this way39. Monaro only 17% of mature age men (55-74 years) lived alone, increasing to 23% of those aged 75+ living alone. The Lone parents overall proportion of 55-74 year-olds who lived alone Lone parents constituted 3.9% of the population (n341), four- increased by 1.2% between 1996 and 2001, the proportion of 40 fifths of them being women. those aged 75+ living alone increased by 3.6% . With increasing frailty, older people become more likely to live Single person households in institutions such as nursing homes and hospitals, classified Approximately 1,005 people lived alone in 2001; 10% of the as ‘non-private dwellings’. In Cooma-Monaro 12% of men population. Approximately 80% of those living alone lived in and 15% of women aged 75+ lived in institutions in 2001, an the Cooma area, leaving 20% in villages and rural areas. overall fall of 2% since 1996.
38 Public Practice 2004 39 Public Practice 2004 40 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 35
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Figure 3.6 Living Arrangements was $800-$99942.
Living arrangements
Number of people Proportion of people The median weekly household income across the Shire in 43 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 2001 was $600-$699 .
married couple The average household income in Cooma-Monaro in 2001
de facto couple was around $870 a week or $45,500 a year, 20% lower than the NSW average of $56,900 pa44. lone parent
child under 15 years Couples with children had the highest average family incomes at about $1,100 a week. dependent student aged 15-24
non-dependent child One-parent families had the lowest average family income at about $580 a week, 1% higher than those of South East males with another family Cooma-Monaro NSW. females group household member NSW Couples without children earned an average of $920 a week, lone person 4% higher than those of South East NSW45.
visitor (from within Australia) Non-family households had lower average incomes than family households, at about $410 a week, due to many being single-person households. Source: Public Practice 2004 Income In 2001 35.6% of families with children received government benefits, this is a relatively large proportion, compared with The median weekly individual income across the Shire in Snowy River Shire at 24.3%, both are below that for non- 2001 was $300-$39941.
The median weekly family income across the Shire in 2001 42 Public Practice 2004 43 Public Practice 2004 44 Public Practice 2004 41 Public Practice 2004 45 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 36
Social Plan for community wellbeing
metropolitan NSW (42.2%) and the state (40%)46. Figure 3.7 Average Incomes for men and women of different ages $900 In 2001 61% (n4,276) of Cooma-Monaro’s residents aged 15 $800 Cooma-Monaro NSW years or over had gross incomes of less than $500 a week47. $695 $700 In 2001 41% (n2,952) of the working aged population earned $600 less than $300 per week and can be classified as low income $554 earners48. k $500
e $466
e $454
w
r e p $829 $376
As illustrated in Figure 3.7, Cooma-Monaro’s incomes of both $ $400 men and women are substantially below that of the NSW $318 $642 average. $300 $231 $520 $480 $207 $200 $419 $317 $286 $254 $100
$0 15-24 25-54 yrs 55 yrs + all men 15-24 25-54 yrs 55 yrs + all w omen
Men Women
Source: Public Practice 2004 Note: Average incomes are calculated by multiplying the number in each income range by the mid point of the range ($2000 for the $1500+ range);
Employment Employment sectors The industry providing the most Cooma-Monaro residents with work in 2001 was retail trade, employing 17% of the working aged population. The next largest employers were agriculture, forestry and fishing (10%), property and business 46 Bureau of Rural Sciences 2003 47 Public Practice 2004 48 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 37
Social Plan for community wellbeing
services (9%) and health and community services (9%)49. total labour force (people working or seeking work/unemployed) of around 4,490 people (2,510 men and Since 2001 the employment scene in Cooma-Monaro Shire 1,980 women) a decrease of 113 or 2% since 199650. has dramatically changed following the opening of the Australian Government’s Defence Force Call Centre, This labour force represents 65% of the working-age employing 80 plus people, and the re-opening of the Cooma population (aged 15+), a rate higher than NSW’s 62%51. Gaol employing up to 60 people Among male workers 70% were employed full-time. Among More than 6% of the working age population are employed in female workers only 46% were employed full-time52. the government and defence sector. Education The largest employers in Cooma-Monaro include Cooma- The figures below are based on the 2001 Census53 Monaro Shire Council (150 including part-time, casual and Prior to school temporary staff), Snowy Hydro Limited (150 based in Cooma, 129 pre-schoolers 270 based elsewhere), Monbeef Abattoir (80 and expanding), Cooma Health Service (approximately 115 full-time equivalent Compared with 1996 attendance at preschool decreased by staff), Department of Corrective Services – including the 25 students. Cooma Goal (55 full-time and 5 part-time – due to expand by 10 staff with the planned new facility), Snowy Mountains Primary school Engineering Corporation (40 in Cooma Office, 5 based in 1,220 infant and primary students. Cooma but working overseas), Dromore (15 year round staff and from 20-60 seasonal workers), Cooma Call Centre (12) Compared with 1996 attendance at infants/primary school and the Department of Defence Call Centre (80 including part- decreased by 11. time staff), Woolworths (200 staff including a casual staff base of approximately 8%). The NSW Department of Health and High school Department of Education also employ a large number of In 2001 925 high school students. people in the Shire.
Workforce size 50 Public Practice 2004 In 2001 the Cooma-Monaro local government area provided a 51 Public Practice 2004 52 Public Practice 2004 49 Public Practice 2004 53 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 38
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Compared with figures at high school in 1996 the number and 58% female) a decrease of 18 since 199657. increased by 286. The number of university students represented 26% of the 18- Participation rates 24 year old population. Most of the 379 TAFE students Cooma-Monaro’s overall school participation rates are similar attended part-time. The majority of students were women to NSW’s. For preschool students the participation rate was (n215) and men totalled 164. TAFE numbers were equivalent 50% (NSW was 58%); for primary students 101% (92% for to 67% of the 18-24 year old population – however it is likely NSW); and for high school students 82% (NSW 83%)54. that this number is made up of older students58.
These participation rates are calculated by dividing the Cooma-Monaro’s tertiary students were far less likely to be at number attending school by the school-age population. From university than NSWs’, with 25% of students at university 1996 – 2001 there was a decrease of children attending pre- compared to NSW proportion at 49%. They were far more school. The participation rate at high school from 1996-2001 likely to be at TAFE, which was attended by 64% of the increased from 79% to 82% indicating that more students student population compared with 40% for NSW59. were remaining at school finishing the higher school certificate source55. Level of education In Cooma-Monaro the average final year of school was Year Tertiary education 10.3 – meaning a ‘typical adult left school after completing 10 Cooma-Monaro had a total of 593 people studying at years and 3 months. This was similar to NSW’s average60. university, TAFE or other tertiary places in 2001, with one- sixth attending full-time. The number of students was Some 35% of Cooma-Monaro’s adults completed Year 12, equivalent to 105% of the number of 18-24 year-olds living in (43% for NSW), while 23% left school before completing Year Cooma-Monaro, compared with 81% for NSW. This suggests 10 (21% for NSW). The Year 12 completion rate for men in Cooma-Monaro has significantly higher participation in tertiary Cooma-Monaro was similar to women’s (34% to 36%)61. education by those aged over 25 years56. Cooma-Monaro’s tertiary education levels were similar to Participation in tertiary education by women is much greater than by men. There were 149 university students (42% male 57 Public Practice 2004 58 Public Practice 2004 54 Public Practice 2004 59 Public Practice 2004 55 Public Practice 2004 60 Public Practice 2004 56 Public Practice 2004 61 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 39
Social Plan for community wellbeing
NSW, with 39% of people aged 15+ having a tertiary Figure 3.8 Proportion of people using a computer, by age qualification (40% for NSW). The biggest difference was in the number with a Certificate 21.1% of Cooma-Monaro’s Proportion of people using a computer, by age adults compared with 18% for NSW. Since 1996 the fastest growing qualifications in Cooma-Monaro were Certificates up 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 62 by 175 and Bachelor Degrees, up by 76 . 0-9 years
Computer Usage 10-19 years
Computer usage in Cooma-Monaro is similar to the NSW 20-34 years average, with 42% of the population (some 4,130 people) using a computer in the week preceding the 2001 Census, 35-54 years compared with 41% for NSW. The age group most different 55-74 years from NSW in computer usage was 20-34 years old, whose Cooma females usage was 6 percentage points below NSW's, at 42%. 75+ years Cooma males NSW Computer usage among age groups ranged from a maximum all ages of 68% among 10-19 years olds to the lowest usage of 6% among those aged 75+ years old. Source: Public Practice 2004
Computer usage by males is generally greater than for females, and this difference tends to increase with age. Internet Usage However, in Cooma-Monaro, 42% of males and 42% of One-third of Cooma-Monaro's people (35%) used the Internet each females used a computer in 2001. The greatest gender week in 2001, similar to 36% over NSW. Some 34% of women used difference is for people aged 20-34 years old, when 39% of the Internet, a similar proportion to men (35%). men use computers compared with 46% of women. The main places where people in Cooma-Monaro used the Internet were at home (18%), at work (5%) and at both home and work (6%). Compared with NSW, Cooma-Monaro had similar proportions using the Internet from elsewhere (0.4 percentage points above NSW) and lower proportions using the Internet from home and work (0.9 percentage points below NSW). 62 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 40
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Among home computer users, women more often used the Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is a suite of four indexes Internet–some 45% of women and 42% of men using their home which summarises a number of variables associated with computer accessed the Internet over the Census week. By way of socioeconomic disadvantage. comparison, among NSW's home computer users, 47% of women and 45% of men used the Internet that week. The four indexes are:
• Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage Some 480 people used the Internet at work, representing 11% of the employed workforce of around 4,200. This was similar to NSW's • Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage\ rate of 12%. Internet usage amongst male workers in Cooma- Disadvantage (which replaced the urban/rural index of Monaro was 10% while amongst female workers it was 13%. 1996) • Index of Economic Resources Figure 3.9 Use of the Internet, women v men • Index of Education and Occupation Where men and women use the Internet 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% These indexes show where the affluent (as opposed to just high income earning) live; where disadvantaged (as opposed
Cooma males to the unemployed) live; and where the highly skilled and educated (as opposed to the tertiary educated people) live.
Cooma females Home users Did not use the Internet The index contains only limited information about accumulated wealth. An area’s infrastructure such as schools, community services, shops and transport is not NSW represented by the indexes. The indexes do not capture the difference in cost of living across different areas.
from home from work from home and work from elsewhere from several places* Did not use the Internet “The 2001 SEIFA concept of disadvantage was based on Ainley et al. (1995), in which disadvantage was viewed as an Source: Public Practice 2004 extension to socioeconomic status, which in turn was measured through education, occupation and income. Aspects of socioeconomic disadvantage are those factors that Socio-economic Index put someone at a disadvantage compared to someone else. The ABS has developed indexes to allow ranking of regions/areas, providing a method of determining the level of social and economic wellbeing in that region. The Socio-
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 41
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Examples include wealth, residential conditions, health, The health risk factors using the SEIFA is discussed in the access to services, and language”63. section on Population Health.
Social disadvantage is typically associated with low income, high unemployment and low levels of education. A low score indicates that an area has many low income families, people with little training and working in unskilled occupations and may be considered as disadvantaged relative to other CDs. A high score implies that the area has few families with low incomes and few people with little or no training and few people working in unskilled occupations.
The Cooma-Monaro LGA ranks as one of the top ten least socio-economically disadvantaged LGAs within the Greater Southern Area Health Service in terms of income, education and employment64.
Table 3.1 Index of Relative Socio-Economic Status Socio-Economic LGA Economic Education Disad’ed Advantage Resources and Occupation Cooma- 1011.35 978.55 947.3 991.33 Monaro Snowy 1080.54 1053.43 1034.49 1062.95 River Bombala 974.98 928.96 919.36 928.32 Source: ABS 2006d
63 ABS 2004b p2 64 GSAHS 2005, p19
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 42
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
• the death of those born prior to 1960. From the end of World War Two there were a large number of births, Population Projections more so than other generations. This group is often In considering reports on population projections, it is important referred to as the Baby Boomers. to remember that it is just that, a projection. Population projections are calculations which show the future In the DIPNR Report, for the same period, Snowy River Shire development of a population when certain assumptions are is reported to have a population increase of 1.3% per annum, made about the future course of fertility, mortality, and and Bombala Shire, a decrease of 1.2%. migration. They are in general purely formal calculations, developing the implications of the assumptions that are This report projects that the median age of Cooma-Monaro’s made65. Population projections are not supposed to be population will increase from 39 in 2001 to 52 in 2031. The accurate forecasts of future population. percentage of Cooma-Monaro’s population aged 65+ is projected to increase from 15% in 2004 to 32% by 2031. Population projections published in 2004 by the then Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Figure 3.10 Population Projection, 2001 – 2031 (DIPNR), Transport and Population Data Centre66 suggest that Cooma-Monaro’s population will decrease by 0.3% per annum over the period 2001-2031. Figure 3.10 reflects the changes in age groups over this period.
The DIPNR population projections assume that Cooma- Monaro’s population will be affected by natural decline (ie the number of deaths will exceed the number of births) and a net loss of people through migration, particularly outmigration of young people.
It is suggested that the reason for the number of deaths exceeding the number of births is due to: • a reduction in births Source: DIPNR 2004
65 United Nations 1958 p 45 This projection is echoed by the figures released by the joint 66 DIPNR 2004
43 Social Plan for community wellbeing
Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW Planning for Population Ageing Report which projects Cooma-Monaro’s Figure 3.11 Population Projection 2004-2022 percentage of the population aged 65+ in 2001 at 15.7% Cooma-Monaro Shire Population Projection 2004-2022 increasing to 24.4% by 2022 (see figure 3.11). 100% Table 3.2 Ageing Index 90%
Council Rank 2004 % Pop’n Rank 2022 % Pop’n 80%
65+ 65+ n o
i 70% t
Bombala 28/153 17.6 16/153 27.4 a l u
p 60%
Cooma- 60/153 15.7 52/153 24.4 o P
Monaro f o 50%
e
Snowy 130/153 11.2 77/153 21.6 g a
t 40% n
River e c r 30% e
In a ranking of 153 Local Government Areas across NSW P according to the percentage of the population aged 65+ 20%
Cooma-Monaro is ranked 52, Bombala at 16 and Snowy River 10% Shire at 77 by 202267. 0% 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 The Local Government and Shires Associations Report also Years calculates the Force of Ageing; the average percentage point 0-14 15-64 65+ 85+ increase in people aged 65+ per year. The rate at which Source: Local Government & Shires Association, 2004 Snowy River Shire is projected to age is remarkable, followed by a more modest Bombala and a medium Cooma-Monaro. Figure 3.11 shows the changing proportion of age groups: 0- 14, 15-64, 65+ and 85+. This figure shows an increase in the Table 3.3 Force of Ageing percentage of the population making up the 65+ age group Council Force of Ageing Rank and declines in the 15-64 (working age) group and slight Snowy River 0.58 9/153 declines in the 0-14 year age group. Bombala 0.55 18/153 Cooma-Monaro 0.48 41/153 Cooma-Monaro has a higher than state average of population increase per year for people aged over 65. While it is anticipated that by the year 2022 Cooma’s percentage of aged people within the population will have increased, the 67 LGSA, 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 44
Social Plan for community wellbeing
total overall population within the Shire is expected to decline. Table 3.4 Dependency Ratio Those losses to the population are predicted to occur within % % the youth and working-age populations. This will have Population: aged aged Depend- different labour market implications with a negative ratio of Sex ency labour market ‘entrants’ to ‘exits’. The net effect will be a drop Year Males Females Persons ratio 0-14 65+ ratio of working age population from 64% (6,333 people) to 60% 2001 4,750 4,700 9,450 101 22% 15% 60 (5,462 people) by the year 2022. 2006 4,700 4,630 9,340 102 20% 17% 59 2011 4,630 4,530 9,170 102 18% 19% 60 2016 4,570 4,450 9,020 103 17% 23% 65 Dependency Ratios 2021 4,510 4,390 8,900 103 16% 26% 73 The number of non-working-age persons in a community 2026 4,440 4,330 8,770 103 16% 30% 83 2031 4,360 4,260 8,620 102 15% 32% 91 dependent on working-age persons can be expressed as a Source: ‘dependency ratio’ - the number of persons aged less than 15 http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/tpdc/pdfs/summary_nsw_slaprojections_2004.xls years and 65 years and over divided by the number of persons aged 15 to 64 years. It gives some indication of the The ratio can be further separated into two components, burden falling on working-age persons in order to provide for namely the child dependency ratio (children aged 0-14 divided non-working-age persons. Table 3.1 shows the dependency by persons aged 15-64), and the aged dependency ratio ratio projections for Cooma-Monaro Shire. The dependency (persons aged 65 and over divided by persons aged 15-64). ratio for Cooma-Monaro Shire in 2001 was 58.7% by 2031 it A rising dependency ratio is a concern in many countries that will be 88.6% (figures in the table below have been rounded). are facing an aging population, since it becomes difficult for pension and social security systems to provide for a significantly older, non-working population.
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 45
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
3.1. Bredbo In 2001, the village of Bredbo had a population of Settlers came to the Bredbo area in 1823; by the 1830s, many approximately 156 people68 (based on the ABS collection families had settled in the district. The earliest known reference to district 1170810 (see glossary for definition). The collection the name “Bredbo” was in 1837. The Bredbo Hotel was established district is shown in the map below. It is estimated that the in 1836, providing a service to passing stagecoaches. It is said the population of the village is approximately currently 200 hotel has traded continuously since these earliest days. people. This estimate is based on the number of dwellings constructed in the village since the 2001 census and by A village slowly grew around the hotel: the first post office opened in multiplying this by 2.5 (the average number of people in a 1875 and a primary school was established in 1882. The village of household). Bredbo was gazetted in 1888 and really started to flourish when the railway line reached the town the following year. There is a large rural area surrounding the village, the Bredbo Profile population for this area is unable to be estimated. The village of Bredbo and rural surrounds is situated on the Monaro Highway about 35 kilometres north of Cooma and around 70 kilometres south of Canberra. The Bredbo River bounds the village on the west with the rural terrain becoming steeper in the rural area to the east of the village. The rural community relies largely on agriculture. There are also a number of quarries in the Bredbo area.
The village has a number of retail outlets specialising in food and gifts.
At the 2005 Strategic Planning community consultation workshop held in Bredbo people stated that they valued the locations proximity to larger centres and enjoyed the rural setting and that they saw the location as an opportunity for encouraging new families who want a rural lifestyle. They also stated that Bredbo has a strong community spirit and is a friendly peaceful village. 68 ABS 2002
46 Social Plan for community wellbeing
Map 3.2 Bredbo Collection District There are a number of commercial enterprises including a petrol station/newsagent, public hotel, cafés, restaurant and gift store, landscape supplies, farming contractors
Government services provided at Bredbo include: • the Bredbo Waste Transfer Station
Active community groups include: • the Country Womens Association (CWA) • Landcare • Community Progress Association • Book Club • Red Cross • Rural Fire Service • Tennis Club • Parents and Citizens Committee Source: Cooma-Monaro Shire Council adapted from government agency • Ute Muster committee data. • Craft Group The village assets include: Events and activities • The “Bredbo Bulletin” community newsletter • Tennis courts • Australia Day Picnic at the Recreation Ground funded • Children’s play ground through Cooma-Monaro Shire Council. • Playing field • Annual Ute Muster • Community hall • The Progress Association organises a Christmas function at the Hall. It includes activities such as tug- • Murrumbidgee and Bredbo rivers of-war, gumboot throwing, egg throwing etc • Showground • The Pub hosts a children’s Christmas party and a local • Catholic and Anglican churches Santa arrives on a decorated horse and buggy • Primary school • Bredbo held the inaugural ferret races to raise money
for charity.
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 47
Social Plan for community wellbeing
• Regular tennis lessons on Fridays run by the tennis Figure 3.11 Bredbo Population by age group club. These are attended by about 80% of the village male, female and total population in Bredbo children village in 2001 • The local pub allows community groups run fund-raiser meat raffles every Saturday night 40 • In 2005 Bredbo community members ran craft days 30 each school holidays to provide a local activity for kids r male e which were very successful and also served as b 20 female m u
fundraisers. n total 10 Demographics 0 The population of Bredbo has shown a growth of 1.5% over 0-11 12-24 25-44 45-64 65-79 80 + the period 1996-2001. In 2001 there were 156 people in the age groups village area, an increase of 11 people from the 1996 census69. Source: adapted from ABS, 2002 As stated above it is estimated that there are approximately 200 people currently residing in the village. The proportion of children under 12 was much greater than Cooma-Monaro and the proportion of young people under 25 There were a total of 74 females and 82 males in Bredbo at was much smaller. Elderly people aged 75+ were similar. the time of the census. The median age was 36 years70. Households
93% of the village population spoke English only and 8% were Compared with the whole of Cooma-Monaro, Bredbo had born overseas71. many more young families, many fewer mature families and many more older people. The following graph illustrates the population structure. Most commonly, people in Bredbo live as part of a couple 38% in a married couple and another 6% in a de facto couple72.
69 Public Practice 2004 70 ABS 2002 71 ABS 2002 72 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 48
Social Plan for community wellbeing
There were 11 single person households in the village73. Tertiary In 2001, there were 3 people attending a Technical or Further The average occupancy rate of households was 2.774. education institute and 3 attending a university76
Of those aged 75 years and over, 3 lived as husband or wife 15% of the population (n23) completed Year 1277. in registered marriage, 3 lived with a related person and there were none living as a lone person75. Health and Community Services • community nursing services from Cooma Community Education and Training Health Service 0-5 years • meals on wheels service Bredbo Bredbo Playgroup is held at the local hall and the CWA pays the hall hire fee for the playgroup. Employment The largest employment sectors for males in the village were The Mobile Preschool goes to Michelago and three Bredbo property and business services, construction and retail trade children attended in 2005. Carers car pooled on a roster as (ABS, 2001). No males were recorded as being engaged in Bredbo Primary School finished at 3.00pm and Preschool the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry However, 3 males finished at 3.15 pm in Michelago. An attempt was made by were identified as being employed in the mining sector78. parents to have the service provided in Bredbo but the minimum number of children is 10 and the community For females the largest industries of employment were health numbers did not meet this criteria. and community services, retail trade and education79.
Primary school Given that there are no health facilities and a small primary There are 28 children enrolled in Bredbo public school in school in Bredbo it is suggested that many of the residents 2007. are travelling outside of Bredbo for employment. It is also noted that 6 people were employed in the Government High school administration and defence sector80. The closest high schools are in Cooma.
76 ABS 2002 77 ABS 2002 73 ABS 2002 78 ABS 2002 74 Public Practice 2004 79 ABS 2002 75 Public Practice 2004 80 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 49
Social Plan for community wellbeing
dwellings. The number of dwellings increased by 1.5% from Unemployment 1996 – 200181. . The only unemployment data available for Bredbo is that collected with the 2001 census. It has not been included as it Home ownership is considered of little value as it is over five years old. Some 53% (30) of Bredbo’s occupied dwellings were fully owned (the second highest of Cooma-Monaro’s areas), with Childcare another 32% (18) being purchased (also much greater than Childcare is a long standing issue. In 2005 the P&C started an Cooma-Monaro’s average source after-school Care Service at the school however this has not continued. At the time of the 2001 census the median monthly housing loan repayments were $600-$79982. Income The 2001 census recorded the following information. In 2001, the average cost of housing was equal to 22% of the average household income; the second highest in Cooma- Median weekly individual income $300-$399 Monaro83. Median weekly family income $700-$799 Median weekly household income $700-$799 Five percent of dwellings were being rented privately. The Source: ABS 2002 median weekly rent was $50-$9984
Economic Development There are a number of vacant lots in the village. At community consultation workshops over the last few years the Bredbo community has generally stated that it would like to see Bredbo grow in relation to residential and commercial development.
A number of businesses have opened in recent years.
Housing Number of dwellings 81 ABS 2002 Bredbo had an estimated 58 occupied dwellings in 2001, 82 made up of 55 detached houses and 3 flats and 9 vacant ABS 2002 83 Public Practice 2004 84 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 50
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Transport The community is conducting an expression of interest in a Public transport school bus service to Canberra, which would be an extension • there is a Countrylink bus stop at Bredbo. The bus of the current Michelago service. route is from Canberra/Queanbeyan to Pambula via Bega It was suggested that there was a need for more visiting • There is a weekly shopping bus to Cooma that is used specialists in Cooma as transport to services to Canberra are by older residents. People can also catch the school expensive. bus to Cooma. Recreation
Number of vehicles in village households Council has developed a Recreation Strategic plan (refer to There were three households which did not have a motor the Leisure and Recreation Chapter). vehicle or motor bike/scooter85. Communication and Technology Means of village people getting to work During the community consultation workshop at Bredbo The 2001 census recorded that over 50% of the people that people stated that the telephone and internet systems were went to work on the day of the census were either the driver of very poor. There was a desire from the community for a car or the passenger in a car86. broadband and improvement to the infrastructure.
An ongoing issue for families relates to the transport of In the 2001 census, 53 people stated that they used the children to sporting or educational events. Residents stated internet. that the school “swimsafe” program is always difficult as the kids participate in the program every day for two weeks. The mobile library goes to Bredbo on Mondays adjacent to the primary school. There is no school bus for the local school so this can make things difficult for people who live out of town who do not have The community stated that it was felt that there was a need to a licence. It is also difficult for families with children at primary improve the distribution of community information especially to school in Bredbo (3pm pick-up) and others at high school in those working outside Bredbo. Cooma (4pm pick-up off bus).
85 ABS 2002 86 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 51
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Table 3.5 Bredbo – Summary of issues, strategies, responsibility, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY B1 Support Bredbo Progress Association in their community activities Cooma-Monaro Shire Ongoing There appear to be a significant B2 Support development of “Welcome Pack” for new residents to ensure Council (CMSC), Business A proportion of the Bredbo population access to information on services and local community groups Enterprise Centre (BEC), (village and surrounds) who work B3 Community newsletter to rural and village residents Monaro Family Support outside of Bredbo. Providing Service (MFSS) Settlement information and involving people can Cross Reference 5.2 Communications and Technology Worker be difficult when they are working outside of Bredbo. B4 Continue the Strategic Planning Project. Concern was expressed by some CMSC A community members regarding the rural subdivision and dwelling provisions in the current Local Environmental Plan. B5 Re-sealing of tennis courts – grant received from Department of Sport and Bredbo Community with A High usage of tennis courts-the level Recreation (refer to Council Recreation Strategic Plan) assistance from CMSC Commenced of work required to prepare the courts Cross Reference 5.8 Leisure and Recreation on a regular basis (the courts are unsealed) B6 Support Bredbo Primary School initiatives to sustain a before and after CMSC (advocate) B Lack of child care options (including school care service for school children Monaro Child & Family after school care) B7 Investigate viability of establishing preschool and home day care in Bredbo Network, Bredbo Public Cross Reference 4.2 Children and Families School community Limited public transport and high B8 Support the establishment of health and community services outreach to Monaro Regional B transport costs Cooma, saving residents the time and cost to access services in Canberra. Interagency B9 Investigate feasibility and options for school bus service Monaro Transport Working B10 Support identification of taxi vouchers system for young people to attend Group training, and sporting and recreational activities outside school hours CMSC (advocate) Cross Reference 5.9 Transport B11 Liaise with broadband and telephone system providers to monitor access CMSC, Business Enterprise Limited access to broadband and poor by rural areas and improve service Centre B quality telephone system B12 Continuation of Centennial Park enhancement program (refer to Council Bredbo Community with Improve village centre and Centennial Recreation Strategy) assistance from CMSC B-C Park facilities B13 Refer to Weeds management Policy Control of noxious weeds B14 Council facilitate weed management plans with landowners Landowners/land managers ongoing B15 Council/State Rail manage weeds on land in village and roadside and rail in partnership with CMSC easement
52 Social Plan for community wellbeing
There is no household waste B16 Record of usage at transfer station CMSC ongoing collection service in the village B17 Investigate feasibility for kerb-side service B18 Continuation of car park lighting for enhanced community safety Limited lighting in car park CMSC ongoing B19 Identified in Council Works Program Maintain roads for safety and access CMSC ongoing to services
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 53
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Mountains. As welll as being known for its connection with 3.2. Cooma the Snowy Mountains Scheme, the town is known for its Located at the centre of a prosperous pastoral district, Cooma was cultural, retail and heritage aspects. gazetted as a village in 1849. The Kiandra gold rush of 1859 saw the development of Cooma’s commercial status with the At the 2005 Strategic Planning Project community establishment of stores, hotels and banking facilities. When the consultation workshops held in Cooma, people stated that short-lived gold rush finished in 1870, Cooma once again focused they liked Cooma’s status as the ‘regional service centre’ for on its rural industry but with greatly improved facilities for its facilities and services, the rural environment and community residents. spirit and Cooma’s multiculturalism. The town was an ideal After being chosen as the headquarters of the Snowy Mountains size and mix of peoples. Hydro-electric Scheme in 1949, Cooma rapidly assumed a large town identity. The sudden demand for increased services resulted in major building works, particularly in the retail areas of the town. People valued the proximity to the ACT, coast and mountains By the time the scheme was completed in 1974, Cooma had and the natural environment. achieved an enviable retail, engineering, rural and tourism base. In 2001, the town had a population of 6,949 people87, Today it continues to service and expand its relevant infrastructure comprising 73% of the Shire’s population. while maintaining an appealing business atmosphere. Cooma’s assets include: Cooma Profile • Reticulated water, sewer and gas across the town The town of Cooma is located at the junction of the Snowy • Monaro Regional Library and Information Service and Monaro Highways. It is within easy travel to the ACT and • Central Business District with a number of smaller Queanbeyan, national parks and the south coast. commercial areas • Number of parks and reserves, ovals and an outdoor The centre of the town and the industrial area are on level swimming pool land with the residential areas being on gently to steeper • Preschools, schools and a college of Technical and sloping land. The Murrumbidigee River runs along the Further Education western side of the town with two creeks-Cooma Creek and • Two newspapers Cooma Back Creek running through the town to join the • Showground Murrumbidgee. • A number of churches
Centennial Park is located in the centre of Cooma and is well known as a rest point for those travelling to the Snowy 87 ABS 2002
54 Social Plan for community wellbeing
Map 3.3 Cooma Collection Districts There are numerous commercial enterprises in Cooma servicing the community across the three local government areas of Cooma-Monaro, Bombala and Snowy River, visitors and tourists.
Government services provided in Cooma include: • kerbside domestic waste collection (except for a domestic recycling collection) • A number of State Government Departments • Cooma Health Service (hospital and Community Health Services)
There are approximately 400 active community groups in Cooma covering cultural, sporting, recreation, religious and ethnic interests.
Events and activities • Cooma show • Cooma Annual Race Meet at the Ti-Tree racetrack • Rodeo • Car Rally/Show and Shine • Snowy Ride • Australia Day • Cooma Street Fair
Demographics There are 12 collection districts covering the Cooma town area. The boundaries of the collection districts are shown on the map below. Source: Cooma-Monaro Shire Council adapted from government agency data.
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 55
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Population size in 1996 and 2001 In 2001 the total female population of Cooma was 3,535 and 88 The table below illustrates the population of each collection the total male population was 3,414 . district for 1996 and 2001. Median age Figure 3.12 Cooma Population 1996-2001 The median age of the Cooma population by collection is shown in the graph below. 1996 and 2001 population for Cooma collection districts Figure 3.13 Cooma Median Age
e l
p 2001 census median age
o 1000
e 800 p
f 600 1996
o 50
r 400
2001 e e 200 g 40 b a
m 0 30 n u
a 2001 i n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 d 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 e 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 10
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 m 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 collection districts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 c c c c c c c c c d d d Source: adapted from ABS, 2002 c c c collection districts The overall Cooma population decreased by 201 people between the period 1996 and 2001. Source: adapted from ABS, 2002
It is noted that the median age of Shire population was 37 Areas of population growth between 1996-2001 include the years at the time of the 2001 census and the median age of 1170901, 1170906, 1170907 and 1170908. the NSW population at the same census was 35 years89.
Areas of population decline by population include 1170902, The higher median ages were in the collection districts of 1170903, 1170904, 1170905, 1170909, 11709010, 11709011 1170909, 11709010, 11709011 and 11709012. and 11709012.
88 ABS 2002 89 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 56
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Young People 12-17 years Children 0-11 years Children aged 0-11 made up 19% of the total population for Figure 3.15 Cooma young people 12-17 Cooma town area in 200190. number of males and females aged 12-17 years in 2001 Figure 3.14 Cooma children 1996-2001 r a e y
number of children 0-11 years 1996-2001 7 120 1
- 100 2 s 80 male 1 n d
l e f 60 r
250 o o female 40 d l r
i 20
200 e h
b 0 c
150 1996 f m o u 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 n r 2001 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 e 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 b 50 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
m 0 d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 u c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 collection districts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c Source: adapted from ABS, 2002 collection districts Females 12-17 years comprise 11.8% (n415) of the female Source: adapted from ABS, 2002 population of Cooma area.
There were 1,306 in Cooma at the time of the 1996 census Males 12-17 years comprise 12.8% (n430) of the male and 1,266 at the time of the 2001 census. There was a population of Cooma area. decline in the number of children between 1996 and 200191. The collection districts with the highest number of 12-17 year olds were 1170901, 1170902 and 1170902.
90 ABS 2002 91 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 57
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Young People 18-24 years 25-44 years
Figure 3.16 Cooma Young People 18-24 Figure 3.17 Cooma Adults 25-44
number of male and female youth aged 18-24 males and females aged 25-44 years in 2001 years in 2001 e l 100 p h t o u 60 e 80 o p
y 50
f male
60 f
40 male o
o
30 r 40 female r e
e female 20 b 20 b 10 m m
0 u 0 u n n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c c c c collection district collection districts
Source: adapted from ABS, 2002 Source: adapted from ABS, 2002
The total number of youth aged 18-24 years recorded in the The total number of females 25-44 years comprised 24% 2001 census was 44092. (861) of the female population in the Cooma area at the time of the 2001 census93. The number of females aged 18-24 years comprised 6.1% of the female population in Cooma area at the time of the 2001 The total number of males 25-44 years comprise 24% (826) of census. the male population in the Cooma area at the time of the 2001 census94. The number of males aged 18-24 years comprised 6.5% of the male population in Cooma area at the time of the 2001 The total number of people aged 25-44 years at the time of census. the 2001 census was 1,687 people95.
93 ABS 2002 94 ABS 2002 92 ABS 2002 95 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 58
Social Plan for community wellbeing
45 – 64 years 65-79 years The figure below shows the number of males and females The figure below illustrates the number of males and females aged 45-64 years in 2001. in Cooma aged 65-78 years.
Figure 3.18 Cooma Adults 45-64 Figure 3.19 Cooma Older People 65-79
number of males and females aged 45-64 years in males and females aged 65-79 years in 2001 2001 e l 60 e p l o p 50 e
o 100 p
e 40
80 f male p
o
f male 30 60 r o female
e 20 r 40 female b e 20 10 b m u
m 0 0 n u
n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c c c c collection districts collection districts
Source: adapted from ABS, 2002 Source: adapted from ABS, 2002
The total number of people aged 45-64 years in Cooma in The total number of people aged 65-79 years was 691 in 2001 was 160696. . 2001.
The number of females 45-64 years comprised 23% (72) of The total number of females aged 65-79 years formed 11% the female population in Cooma area in 2001. (402) of the female population in Cooma area.
The number of males 45-64 years formed 23% (83) The total number of males aged 65-79 years formed 8.5% of the male population in Cooma area in 2001. (289) of the male population in Cooma area.
96 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 59
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Indigenous person (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) People aged 80 plus At the time of the 2001 census 58 people identified The figure below illustrates the number of males and females themselves as being an indigenous person living in Cooma in Cooma aged 80 plus years. (ABS).
Figure 3.20 Cooma Older People 80+ Across the shire there were a total of 87 people of indigenous 97 number of people aged 80 years plus people .
e l 50 Of the people who identify themselves as being Aboriginal or p o
e 40 Torres Strait Islander across the shire, 66% live in Cooma p
f 30 male o
r 20 female
e Speaks English only
b 10
m The 2001 census recorded that those who speak English only
u 0 n in the Cooma area totalled 81% (5,619) of the population. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Born overseas d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c 14% (947) of the Cooma population were born overseas collection districts Further detail is provided in People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds. Source: adapted from ABS, 2002
There were a total of 265 people aged 80+ in Cooma at the time of the 2001 census.
Females 80 plus years comprise 5% (171) of the female population in Cooma area.
Males 80 plus years form 3% (94) of the male population in Cooma area.
97 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 60
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Households Single (lone) person households People at the same address five years ago The total number of single person households for the Cooma The figure below illustrates the number of people (over 5 area was 801 in 2001. The total number of lone households years of age) who were at the same address 5 years ago (at in the Shire for the same census was 1,005. the time of the 2001 census).
Figure 3.21 Cooma Lone person households Figure 3.22 Cooma Same Address
single households 2001 percentage of people at same address 5 years s d
l ago in 2001 o e
120 l h p e
100 o s e u 80 70% p o
60% f h 50% 60 household o f 40% o 40 e 30% r g e 20 a 20% t
b 10% 0 n
e 0% m c u r
n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 e 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d 1 1 1 c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c c c c c c c d d d c c c c c c collection districts collection district
Source: adapted from ABS, 2002 Source: adapted from ABS, 2002
Other Some of those who moved may have moved to a residence in Most commonly people in Cooma live as part of a couple 39% the same area, whilst included in the data their move has in a married couple and another 6% as a de facto couple98. most likely not impacted on the Shire.
98 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 61
Social Plan for community wellbeing
Communications and Technology At the time of the 2001 census there were 2,398 people who used Transport the internet (ABS) Car ownership in Cooma averaged 1.4 vehicles per household, equivalent to 71 cars for every 100 adults99. Employment In Cooma in 2001103, the industry sectors employing the most The most common method of travelling to work was driving, number of females were: used by 69% of travelling workers, another 2% used public • the retail sector transport, 13% walked or cycled to work. Slightly more than • the health and community services sector 1% of the population living in the Cooma town area used a • the property and business services sector bicycle to get to work. The industry sectors employing the most number of males were: On the day of the census 1,625 people in Cooma drove a • the property and business services sector motor vehicle to work100. • the retail sector • the construction sector Bicycle Incomes Cooma’s cycleway from Church Road to Lambie Street along the Cooma Creek is approximately 3 km. The on-road The average median weekly individual income for Cooma was cycleway from Massie Street to Monaro High School along $300-$399 in 2001 (averaged across the 12 collection Mittagang road is approximately 3.6 km. districts) (based on ABS 2002)
On the day of the 2001 census 22 people used a bicycle to The average median weekly family income for Cooma was get to work101. $725- $860 in 2001 (averaged across the 12 collection districts) (based on ABS 2002). Dwellings without a motor car At the time of the 2001 census there were 256 dwellings that Economic Development did not have a motor car102. Key developments in Cooma include the construction of a shopping complex due for completion in 2008.
99 Public Practice 2004 Other developments include an addition to the correctional 100 ABS 2002 101 ABS 2002 102 ABS 2002 103 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 62
Social Plan for community wellbeing
facility. This will provide approximately 10 jobs. • one bedroom basic unit $90 per week • two bedroom unit/flat $150 per week Housing • three bedroom house $170-260 per week Cooma had an estimated 2,590 occupied dwellings in 2001, • four bedroom house $280-320 per week made up by mostly detached homes (n2,270), 78 town houses and 250 flats or units, there were 404 vacant An internet search (www.allhomes.com.au) of dwelling and dwellings104. land prices on 12 July 2006 found the following: • Land – Kiah Avenue = $84,000 The average occupancy was 2.4 persons per dwelling. • Land – Nimby Place = $145,000 • House – Orana Avenue = $165,000 Some 44% of Cooma’s occupied dwellings were fully owned, • House – Bent Street = $218,000 with another 22% being purchased. Other dwellings were • House – Kaling Place = $285,000 private rental (23%, 4.1% public housing and 3% in another • House – Commissioner Street = $310,000 form of tenure). Between 1996 and 2001 the proportion of House – Woolalla Street = $335,000 dwellings fully owned rose by 30 dwellings in every thousand, • while the proportion that was private rental fell by 33 per • House – Tulong Avenue = $410,000 thousand105. • House – Chapman Street = $465,000 • Townhouse – Sharp Street = $395,000 The average cost of housing in Cooma was equal to 19% of the average household income, this was the fourth highest level in Cooma-Monaro, after Michelago, Bredbo and Nimmitabel. The average weekly mortgage payment in 2001 was $175 and the average weekly rent was $128106. This reflects housing affordability, and level of incomes being higher overall in Cooma than in the villages mentioned.
The following average rents were provided by a local real estate agent in September 2006:
104 Public Practice 2004 105 Public Practice 2004 106 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 63
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Table 3.6 Cooma – Summary of issues, strategies, responsibilities, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY The poor behaviour (influenced by C1 Monitor effectiveness of the alcohol free zone Cooma-Monaro Shire A alcohol) of some people in the central Council, NSW Police area of Cooma C2 Clarify plans for Snow Stop bus stop and bus stop at Centennial Park with Central location sought for public transport providers and Ministry of Transport Cooma-Monaro Shire A buses Council, Ministry of Transport Some business have been finding it C3 Investigate improved marketing for job seeker ads (Cross reference Cooma-Monaro Shire difficult to attract and retain employees Economic Development). Council, BEC, MFSS A C4 Articulate improvements to pathways, street plantings and improved visual Cooma-Monaro Shire Improve visual amenity of central amenity in CBD planning, creek frontage plans etc Council A Cooma C5 Improve recruitment and retention of staff for dental and allied health GSAHS Limited public and private dental services (cross reference Healthy Community) A services in Cooma If patient discharges (where they C6 Promote CountryLInk daily service to Canberra Hospitals Transport Working Group A discharge from the ACT health C7 Liaise with ACT Health for implementation of discharge policy (cross CMSC/GSAHS services) are not co-ordinated reference Public Health and Transport) regarding follow up services, this can create difficulties for the patient. Community Transport providing a C8 Review Cooma-Cooma Transport and feasibility study into better utilisation Transport Working A disincentive to new disabled coach of Cooma bus (cross reference Transport). Group/Snowy River-Cooma service Monaro Community Transport C9 Assess risk of no enclosed play ground area, from a public health, safety Cooma-Monaro Shire Concern regarding the level of fencing and litigation viewpoint (cross reference Leisure and Recreation) Council B around the Centennial Park children’s play ground No ‘civic centre’ central meeting space C10 Investigate feasibility of a ‘one-stop-shop’ community centre for youth, Cooma-Monaro Shire B cultural and community services Council C11 Investigate improved utilisation of Multi-function centre and improved facilities at Library Limited access to Council Chambers, C12 Council audit on council facilities and services which limit access to Cooma-Monaro Shire B Swimming Pool for people with limited participating in community life - see Disability Action Plan (Cross reference Council mobility People with a disability) No kerbside recycling collection C13 Assess the feasibility of Introducing kerb-side recycling in Cooma Cooma-Monaro Shire B Council
C14 To be considered in CBD planning Cooma-Monaro Shire Winter traffic bottlenecks limiting B
64 Social Plan for community wellbeing
Table 3.6 Cooma – Summary of issues, strategies, responsibilities, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY access by locals to main streets and C15 Improve signage for 50km zone in built up areas Council difficulty crossing Sharp Street C16 Develop pedestrian mobility plan (Cross reference Community Safety) Disabled access at accommodation C17 Council to work in partnership with accommodation providers to improve Cooma-Monaro Shire businesses is limited disabled access (Cross reference People with a Disability) Council B-C Improve street lighting C18 Continuation of street lighting for enhanced community safety Cooma-Monaro Shire C Council
High level of noxious weeds C19 Manage weeds on public land in town and roadside (Refer to Council Cooma-Monaro Shire ongoing Weeds Policy) Council Level of dwelling prices to purchase C20 development of Affordable Housing Strategy Cooma-Monaro Shire B and rent is felt by some to be Council unaffordable
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 65
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
3.3. Michelago People also stated that there was a diverse range of people of Like many other towns on Monaro, Michelago started (in 1832) as a all incomes and background who make up the Michelago supply centre for local grazing properties. It lay on the direct track community. The described the community as friendly, self from Sydney and Goulburn to the new grazing properties on reliant and organised. Monaro and to the Kiandra goldfields. A post office was opened in 1860; at the same time, a police station was opened to cope with It is estimated that the village of Michelago has a population of bushrangers, and cattle and horse thieves. A telegraph station was 70 people. The number of people surrounding Michelago is added to the post office in 1878 and the railway reached the village difficult to estimate. in 1887. The community assets include: Michelago Profile • the primary school The village of Michelago is located just off the Monaro • historic railway station Highway, forty minutes south of Queanbeyan and Canberra. • playground, oval and tennis courts
• community hall The village is situated on flat land with Michelago Creek bounding the southern edge. The Tinderry National Park is to • Anglican and Catholic churches the east and the Murrumbidgee River corridor to the west. • pony club grounds Rural land predominantly used for agriculture surrounds the • cemetery village. There are a number of smaller lots with dwellings to • rural fire shed the south and north of the village. There are a number of commercial enterprises in the village At the 2005 Strategic Planning Project community workshop including the following: held in Michelago people stated that they liked the areas • service station proximity to the ACT for employment opportunities, proximity • motel to the coast and National Park. They liked the rural • general store (which provides postal services, liquor environment, freedom and the positives this brings to family retail and video hire) life. Government services provided at Michelago include: Much of the community saw the village as offering • a police station development opportunities but would like development • community nursing managed. • home visit following the birth of a child from Queanbeyan Hospital or ACT hospitals
66 Social Plan for community wellbeing
• mobile library 282107. • mobile preschool • primary school This provides an estimated total population of the Michelago • recycling and waste collection region of 141. • Home and Community Care Services Map 3.4 Michelago Collection District The village does not have reticulated water or sewer.
Community groups include: • Michelago Region Community Association • Land care • Michelago Pony Club • Rural Fire Service
Events and activities • Pony club • playgroup
Demographics There is no specific collection district for Michelago village or the rural areas. The ABS collection district encompassing the village and surrounds is 1170602 and is outlined in the below map.
As seen from Map 3.4 this collection district also covers the localities of Clear Range, The Angle and Bumbalong. The best indication of the total population in the Michelago area is Source: Cooma-Monaro Shire Council adapted from government agency data. obtained by dividing the total number in the collection district 1170602 in two. One half being the Michelago area and the An indication of the village population can be obtained by other Clear Range, The Angle and Bumbalong. The total population recorded for the collection district in 2001 was 107 ABS 2001
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 67
Social Plan for community wellbeing
multiplying the number of dwellings in the village by 2.5 (an the fact they are NSW residents. Some children attend average household size). It is estimated that 70 people live in Queanbeyan pre-schools. Michelago village. The Mobile Preschool requires 10 children to operate and The southern rural residential area is outside the collection therefore is dependant on the number attending or fundraising district of 1170602. by the community to sustain the service.
The median age of the collection district at the time of the Health and Community Services 2001 census was 39 years (ABS) Queanbeyan Community Health Community Nurses visit discharge clients, undertake aged care assessments, and The majority of people in the collection district spoke English have provided a sex education program to the school. only. Queanbeyan HACC services are funded by the Department of As the collection district covers an area greater than Ageing, Disability and Home Care to provide HACC services Michelago no data has been provided in relation to in Michelago. households. Employment Education and Training employment sectors School The sectors of health and community services, education and The number of children in the Michelago Primary School in government administration, agriculture, forestry and fishing 2006 was 37 however this number varies slightly from year to and defence employed the most number of people in the year. collection district.
Children also attend primary school in Queanbeyan and the childcare ACT and must travel to Cooma, Queanbeyan or the ACT for Informal childcare for before and after school care is limited. high school education. Income Preschool As previously stated there is no 2001 census material The Monaro Mobile Preschool Service provides a service to specifically for Michelago. The following data is for the whole the community on Mondays. The service is partially of the collection district. subsidised by the community in order to ensure its tenure. Children do not get priority in ACT preschool centres due to
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 68
Social Plan for community wellbeing
The median weekly individual income was $600-$699. • 6A Ryrie Street - $348,000 (House) • 4850 Monaro Highway - $269,000 (Rural) The median weekly family income was $1,200-$1,499. Compared with other areas of the shire the Michelago land The median weekly household income was $1,200 - $1,499108. and dwelling prices are relatively high.
Economic Development Transport Considering the advancements in telecommunications/ There are no households in the area that do not have a car109. transportation it is probable a number of home businesses are operating in the area. The area is approximately 50 minutes from Canberra airport and railway stations. As previously stated there are a small number of commercial enterprises in the village. The agricultural sector remains a A school bus service operates to Queanbeyan and Canberra large user of land in the region. leaving at 7.30am and returning at 4.30pm.
The historic railway used to run historic rail trips but can no The Countrylink bus service collects passengers from the longer do this as the trains cannot proceed past the Royalla Michelago district from a designated point at the side of the siding due to structural problems with the bridge between Monaro Highway. Royalla and Michelago. Members of the community have expressed a desire to re-open the railway to establish a tourist Communications and Technology route. The Monaro Regional Library and Information Service provide the Mobile Library every second Monday during school hours. Housing As there is no specific census data for Michelago median The total number of people who used a computer in the mortgage payments and rents have not been included. collection district in 2001 was 141, the number of people who accessed the internet was 71110. An internet search (www.allhomes.com.au ) of dwelling and land prices in mid 2006 found the following: Recreation • Ryrie Street - $185,000 (Land) Refer to Leisure and Recreation Section. • 6 Ryrie Street - $275,000 (House) 109 Public Practice 2004 108 ABS 2002 110 Public Practice 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 69
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Table 3.7 Michelago – Summary of issues, strategies, responsibilities, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY M1 Council and the Community Development Association to discuss means of CMSC Community members felt that communication A communication with Council could be improved School bus from Canberra is crowded M2 Car pooling Michelago community A with children standing M3 Lobby bus company to ensure seating for all children The current position of the bus M4 discuss with Ministry of Transport and bus companies CMSC B stop (side of the highway) is viewed by the community as being a risk.
M5 Council to approach Department of Lands and the NSW Roads and Traffic The entrance to the pony Authority to discuss access Cooma-Monaro Shire A club/cemetery access from the Monaro Council, Department of Highway during peak winter season Lands, NSW Roads and traffic Traffic Authority M6 Support Michelago Primary School initiatives to sustain a before and after Lack of child care options (including school care service for school children Michelago Community B after school care) M7 Explore options for family day care provider to provide day care and after P&C school care service for school children Michelago Public School M8 Provide support to parents, grandparents, foster parents, guardians and others who have responsibility for care of children Cooma-Monaro Shire M9 Investigate establishing a grandparents peer support group on the Monaro Council (advocate) M10 Further investigate the issues and available options for people living in the Childcare providers smaller towns when they need access to child development services Youth anti-social behaviour/graffiti M11 Extend MRHS services in future funding to include Michelago Monaro Rural Health B M12 Provide transport via the YMCA project for youth to attend events in Cooma. Service, YMCA M13 discuss charges and levels of service with communication companies B • Poor telecommunications Cooma-Monaro Shire – microwave and satellite Council (advocate) available
• Poor free to air TV reception • STD phone charges to call Cooma
High transport costs and limited M14 Support the establishment of health and community services outreach to Cooma-Monaro Shire B community support services Michelago, saving local residents the time and cost to access services in Council Cooma or Canberra, Queanbeyan. Queanbeyan
70 SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Table 3.7 Michelago – Summary of issues, strategies, responsibilities, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY M15 Clarify responsibility for providing HACC services to Michelago Council/HACC
Upgrade playground, oval, seating and M16 Complete plan of management for the village sports ground shade required in the playground and M17 Identify priorities and funding in accordance with the plan Cooma-Monaro Shire B upgrade of playground equipment M18 (refer to Council Recreation Strategic Plan) Council with input from Michelago community M19 Identified in Council Works Program Maintain roads for safety and access to Cooma-Monaro Shire C services Council M20 Identify options for upgrading the railway bridge to enable reopening of a Michelago community Limited tourist attractions, asset in the tourist rail service Cooma Monaro Railway C Historic Railway M21 Develop Main Street and businesses, but ensure growth is managed to Cooma-Monaro Shire retain community spirit and preserve unique values of the village Council (Advocate) M22 Refer to Weeds Management Policy Noxious weeds M23 Council facilitate weed management plans with landowners Cooma-Monaro Shire ongoing Council Community Hall-there is some concern M24 review the hall hire fees as part of Council’s Management Plan process that rental is too expensive for locals to Cooma-Monaro Shire A use for private functions. Council Hall 355 Committee
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 71
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
1170809 At the time of the 2001 census the population of Nimmitabel village was 235111, which makes up 2.4% of the 3.4. Nimmitabel Shire population. The first record of Nimmitabel dates from the early 1830s. The name of the settlement has varied over the years, from The map below shows the collection district covering the Nimoitebool to Nimmitybelle to its current spelling. village.
By the mid-1850s it had become a small village of slab and Map 3.5 Nimmitabel Collection District bark huts, surrounded by grazing properties leased from the Crown. A survey was carried out in 1858 after which Nimmitabel officially became a town. A post office was established in the same year while the famous Geldmacher flourmill was built in 1865.
The Nimmitabel community value the safe community and quiet village life. The Nimmitabel area is a good country environment to bring up a family. Community strengths include the diversity and harmony of the villages and friendships between different cultural groups. A key concern of the community is a sustainable supply of water.
Nimmitabel profile Nimmitabel village is situated on the Monaro Highway approximately 40 kilometres east of Cooma.
The village has a vibrant hospitality and tourism base for passing traffic to the south coast. The village is surrounded by rural land which includes national park and land used for agriculture. Source: Cooma-Monaro Shire Council adapted from government agency data. The village is covered by the census collection district 111 ABS 2001
72 SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
• police Community assets include: • Home and Community Care • a police station • Meals on Wheels • Nimmitabel Country Club • Nimmitabel Pre-school and Primary School Community groups include: • Lake Williams jetty and walking track • the Nimmitabel Advancement Group • Showground • the Nimmitabel Show Society • Community Centre • the Country Womens Association • Sports ground and netball courts • Red Cross • Skate Park (to be finalised) • Landcare • Park and children’s play equipment • Lions • Tennis Courts and club house • State Emergency Service • Cenotaph • Rural Fire Service • Geldmacher Mill and Geldmacher House • Garden Club • Fire Shed • Playgroup • Community Hall • a Caravan Park Events and activities • Nimmitabel Show There are a number of commercial enterprises including a • Playgroup general store and commercial centre, cafés, hotel, leather craft, gift stores, bakery and graphic design company, motel, and a bed and breakfast
Government services provided at Nimmitabel include: • Nimmitabel Waste Transfer Station • Monaro Regional Library and Information Service Mobile library visits every second Thursday. • Cooma Community Health provide community nursing • Reticulated water and sewer • primary school
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 73
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
alone, in group households, with parents or lodging; and 3% Figure 3.22 Nimmitabel Population by age group lived as single parents. Of the independent adults, one- male, female and total population in 2001 fifteenth lived with their parents while three-quarters lived alone113. 80 e l 70 The average number of people living in a household was p
o 60 114 e male 2.3 . p 50
f
o 40 female
r e 30 total Education and Training b 20 m Nimmitabel Preschool has approximately 18 enrolments which u 10 n 0 is predicted to increase over the next three years. It is 0-11 12-17 18-24 25-44 45-64 65-79 80 plus operating 2 days per week. years years years years years years years collection district Playgroup meets every Thursday.
Source: adapted from ABS, 2001 Primary school Primary school children attend Nimmitabel Primary school. Households There were 24 enrolments in 2006. Nimmitabel Primary Compared with Cooma-Monaro, Nimmitabel had many fewer School provides after school sport one day per week. young families, similar proportions of mature families and many fewer older people. The proportion of children under High school twelve was similar to Cooma-Monaro and the proportion of Options for secondary schooling include Monaro High or St young people under twenty-five was much smaller. Patrick’s Parish School in Cooma, or boarding schools. The numbers of older people aged 75+ were similar112. Health and Community Services Most commonly, people in Nimmitabel live as part of a couple: Nimmitabel have a community health centre with consulting 44% in a married couple and another 7% in an unmarried rooms. There is currently no GP that services this centre. couple. Overall, 56% of people aged 15+ in Nimmitabel were married in 2001. Another 25% were dependent children living HACC Services are delivered from Cooma. at home, while the others were independent adults living 113 Public Practice 2004 112 Public Practice 2004 114 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 74
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Employment businesses identifying a need for clearer information The largest employment sectors for males in the village were about what to do and where to go around Nimmitabel. government administration and defence, retail trade and The project aims to identify and audit all roads, trails, agriculture, forestry and fishing. The sectors employing high tracks, scenic / heritage features and related signage numbers of females were retail trade, property and business within a radius of 100km of Nimmitabel Town Centre services and accommodation, cafes and restaurants. that could be the basis to establish self-drive scenic and bush tours. It will enable a promotional package to Unemployment be developed to encourage self-drive visitors to The only unemployment data available for Nimmitabel is that Nimmitabel to explore the surrounding countryside. collected with the 2001 census. It has not been included as it This in turn will help develop the retail and is considered of little value as it is over five years old. accommodation businesses within the town. • The closet banking facility is at Cooma 40 kms away Childcare • The Service station closed down and there is currently no local access to fuel. No out of school hours care is provided in Nimmitabel. It is understood that some parents school their children in Cooma The Top of the Range grant has helped Nimmitabel support in order to address this. this voluntary work so that issues that can influence Nimmitabel’s economic base could be made a priority. As a There is no formal childcare in Nimmitabel, the closest result of grant funding several new businesses have opened, services are in Cooma. several major store restorations have been completed, there is agreement about the use of advertising flags so the village Income looks alive and vibrant. Cooperation between organisations In 2001 median weekly incomes were as follows: eg Lions tree planting, Garden Club restoration of landscaping at Geldmacher precinct, Hall Trustees promoting access to Median weekly individual income $200-$299 their facility, Show committee working with the town people Median weekly family income $400-$499 and businesses to increase everyone’s engagement115. Median weekly household income $300-$399 Source ABS, 2002 Housing Economic Development Nimmitabel had an estimated 96 occupied dwellings in 2001, made up of 92 detached houses, no town/terrace houses and • The Roads Tracks and Trails project was set up by the NAG Top of the Range project in response to local 115 Co-ordinator, Top of the Range Progress Report for DSRD, June 2006
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 75
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
4 flats or units, with 30 more dwellings vacant. The average occupancy was 2.3 persons per dwelling in 2001 and falling. In 2001, the median monthly housing loan repayments were With these trends, by 2010, the local population will be about $400-$599 and the median weekly rent was $50-$99119. 168116. The 2001 census recorded that 55% (129) people were at the Some 61% of Nimmitabel's occupied dwellings were fully- same address a year ago120. owned, being the highest rate across Cooma-Monaro, with another 19% being purchased, less than Cooma-Monaro's average. The other dwellings were private rental (9%), with Transport 3% public housing and 3% in another form of tenure117. Car ownership in Nimmitabel averaged 1.5 vehicles per household, equivalent to 74 cars for every 100 adults. This Over 1996-2001, the proportion of dwellings fully owned rose was the highest level of ownership in Cooma-Monaro districts by 3.4 dwellings in every hundred, while the proportion in and was up by 5% since 1996121. private rental fell by 3.7 per hundred (Public Practice, 2004). There were five households that did not have a motor car in The average cost of housing was equal to 16% of the average 2001. household income; being the lowest across Cooma-Monaro. The average weekly mortgage payment was $92 (Public In 2001, some 74% of Nimmitabel's workforce travelled to Practice, 2004). work, while 10% worked from home and 12% did not work that day (with the rest not saying). The most common method There were 65 family households and 29 lone-person of travelling to work was driving, used by 59% of travelling households (ABS, 2001). workers (much less than Cooma-Monaro's average). 27% walked or cycled to work122. Of the people aged 75 years and over the households included118 The closest airports are either Cooma or Canberra. • 3 lived as husband and wife • 3 Other The Countrylink bus service stops and picks up at Nimmitabel. • 7 lived alone
119 ABS 2002 116 Public Practice, 2004 120 ABS 2002 117 Public Practice, 2004 121 Public Practice, 2004 118 ABS 2002 122 Public Practice, 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 76
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
A school bus service operates to Cooma.
Recreation Refer to Council’s Recreation Plan
Communication and Technology In 2001 the total number of people who used the internet was 43, which equates to 18% of the population. Between the ages of 0-9 and 55 years 66 people use a computer at home; 38 males and 28 females (Public Practice, 2004).
The Monaro Regional Library and Information Service Mobile Library stops in front of the Police Station and then the Public School every second Thursday.
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 77
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Table 3.8 Nimmitabel – summary of issues, strategies, responsibility, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY Ni1 Conduct water supply options paper Water restrictions Cooma-Monaro Shire A Council, Ni2 Bus shelter under construction and public toilet facilities/amenities in Transport facilities and infrastructure planning phase Cooma-Monaro Shire A Council Ni3 Pedestrian refuge – main street Ni4 Seal Community Centre Carpark Ni5 Rebuild Show Society Pavilion and toilets Ni6 Finalise skate park Ni7 Implement Main Street Strategic Plan Ni8 Liaise with P&C and relevant groups Cooma-Monaro Shire Lack of child care options, threat to Council, Nimmitabel B sustainability of Nimmitabel Primary P&C, Monaro Family school Day Care, Department of Education Need for improved communications Ni9 Improve communications to residents and support Nimmitabel Cooma-Monaro Shire B Advancement Group Council, NAG Ni10 Telecommunication black spots on main road to Bega – lobby for improvements Ni11 Upgrading caravan park Implementation of Tourism Strategy Ni12 Implement Geldmacher Committee Development Cooma-Monaro Shire B Ni13 Signage for scenic drives heritage walk (Cross reference Economic Council, NAG Development) Ni14 Tourism information at Nimmitabel Ni15 Continuation of lighting for enhanced community safety (Refer Council Limited lighting Works Program) Cooma-Monaro Shire ongoing Council Ni16 Refer to Weeds management Policy Manage Weeds Ni17 Council facilitate weed management plans with landowners Landowners in ongoing partnership with Cooma-Monaro Shire Council Waste collection Ni18 Record of usage at transfer station Cooma-Monaro Shire ongoing Ni19 Investigate feasibility for kerb-side service Council
78 SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
population of 73 people. The estimated population is based 3.5. Numeralla on the number of dwellings in the village land use zone Numeralla stands at the junction of the Badja and Numeralla Rivers. multiplied by 2.5 people (average household size).
The first settlers who came to the area in the late 1820s described the Numeralla Valley as a “valley of plenty”. A post office was In the rural residential land use zone (surrounding the village) established in 1863 and the first school in 1876. Numeralla was it is estimated that there are 82 people. proclaimed a village in 1885. Note This population has also been included in the Over the years, the fertile soils of the valley have seen crops such demographic analysis in the rural chapter. as oats, wheat, barley and lucerne grown on the river flats. Community assets include Numeralla is a small village situated 20 kilometres north-east • Numeralla Public School in 2006 had 12 students and of Cooma. It is located on the river flat of the Numeralla 2 rooms. It is anticipated that there would be River. The village is surrounded by rural land much of it steep approximately 5 new enrolments in 2007 and tree covered. Agriculture is the dominant land use • tennis courts surrounding the village. • children's play area located next to the tennis courts • sports oval adjacent to the school used largely by At the 2005 Strategic Planning Project community children’s weekend sports consultation workshop people stated that they liked living in • BBQ's are located at the Badja River Bridge camping the Numeralla area because of its rural location and it was area close to activities, the coast, ski fields and Canberra. The • Rural Fire Service fire shed tourism and heritage aspects of the area were seen as • Numeralla Diggers Community Hall. The hall has some important. The lifestyle was viewed as being relaxed and heating however the large section used for events is quiet. not insulated.
The community involvedness, togetherness and friendly • Pioneer Memorial atmosphere is seen as a positive. Residents liked the rural • Community newsletter location - one of hills and rivers but also being able to be close • Community Noticeboard to major urban centres, the coast and the mountains. There are no shops in Numeralla. There is no specific collection district for the Numeralla village or locality. In 2001, the village of Numeralla had an estimated
79 SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Government services provided at Numeralla include: collection district for the village of Numeralla. The following • primary school ABS Collection Districts encompass the area in and around • waste transfer station Numeralla village. • Cooma Community Health provide community nursing services to Numeralla residents. The map below illustrates the collection districts for Numeralla and the village landuse zone. There is no reticulated water or sewer in the village. Map 3.6 Numeralla Collection Districts Community groups • Landcare • Numeralla & District Activities Inc including Folk Festival and markets sub-committees • Rural Fire Service • Parents and Citizens Committee • Tennis Club
Community events and activities • Annual folk festival and markets • Annual carp fishing competition • The community hall is used for gatherings and is used to bring the community together on a regular basis • Playgroup is informally organised by parents at the Numeralla Community Hall and operates each Thursday • The Rural Outreach Mobile Playgroup visits • The tennis courts are used by the local club through the warmer months as part of a 'regional' competition.
Demographics Source: Cooma-Monaro Shire Council adapted from government agency data. Data for Numeralla is difficult to collect as the village is incorporated into three collection districts. There is no specific
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 80
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Based on the number of existing dwellings in the village land use zone it is estimated that there are approximately 73 people living in the village land use zone.
Education and Training 0-5 years There is no pre-school and there is not sufficient numbers of children to run the mobile pre-school as it requires a minimum of 10.
Employment There are limited employment opportunities in Numeralla (other than working from home based businesses). Most residents maintain employment in Cooma, the mountains or Canberra. It is understood some families rely on income from partners who are away on a weekly basis.
Childcare There is no out of school hours care so some parents school their children in Cooma in order to maintain their working hours.
Transport A school bus takes local children to schools in Cooma and will also take TAFE students to Cooma TAFE.
Community Transport (through the Home and Community Services) is available but this is not generally known and rarely utilised. There is no shopping bus run.
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 81
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Table 3.9 Numeralla – Summary of issues, strategies, responsibility, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY Nu1 Completion of the Strategic Planning Project Concern regarding type of land uses Cooma-Monaro Shire A and conflicts, use of agricultural land Council and subdivision and dwelling provisions in the LEP Nu2 Assess access to toilet facilities in Numeralla Master Plan for community No pedestrian crossing from oval to safety Cooma-Monaro Shire A toilet facilities Council Nu3 Council and Community Association to discuss communication Cooma-Monaro Shire Improved communication with Council Council and Community A Association Nu4 investigate options for the establishment of after school care Cooma-Monaro Shire Lack of child care options Council, Numeralla P&C, B Monaro Family Day Care, Department of Education Limited public transport and local Nu5 Support community development initiatives. Cooma-Monaro Shire B service delivery Nu6 Investigate providing mobile library to village Council, Transport Working Nu7 Investigate need for transport for older residents to attend community Group activities Nu8 Advocacy for improvement to communications services Limited broadband and mobile Cooma-Monaro Shire B telephone and radio coverage Council, CRDB, DSRD Nu9 Refer to Weeds management Policy Manage weeds Nu10 Council facilitate weed management plans with landowners Landowners in partnership ongoing with CMSC Chemical usage training expensive for Nu11 Promote training opportunities management on private property Nu12 Continuation of lighting for enhanced community safety (Refer Council Limited lighting Works Program) Cooma-Monaro Shire ongoing Council Nu13 Identified in Council works program Maintain roads for safety and access to Cooma-Monaro Shire ongoing services Council No household waste collection in Nu14 Record of usage at transfer station Cooma-Monaro Shire ongoing Numeralla village Nu15 Investigate feasibility for kerbside service Council The mobile library does not service Nu16 Investigate options for the mobile library to service Numeralla Cooma-Monaro Shire Numeralla. Council
82 SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
result of workload pressures and cost of fuel to get to an 3.6. Rural urban centre. Overview “Small rural town decline and rural depopulation have been a Historically the rural community of the Monaro has been factor of rural life across NSW at least since the 1970s. In based on the agricultural industry. Much of the Shire’s more recent times structural adjustment, the loss of services income is either directly or indirectly obtained from its natural and an economic rationalist focus on service and resources. Income is largely from animal production and infrastructure support have added to the loss of services, jobs breeding as well as from crops, either for selling or feeding to and population particularly in small inland rural towns. The agricultural animals. drought … is an added factor in an already unfolding story of inland destabilisation”123. The unique rural landscape including its native flora and fauna are one of the many reasons the region attracts a large “Tree changers”, retirees and retrenchees moving to rural number of visitors. communities have brought new skills and ideas to many of our rural communities. A rural community that is diverse in the Over the last few decades there has been a shift in agriculture background and skills of its people is likely to be able to adapt (includes livestock and horticulture) from a total reliance on to change and make for a vibrant and supportive community. income from the farm to support both the farm and the family to a situation where property owners for the farm are obtaining Demographics income in addition to that of the farm from urban based The ABS collection districts of 1170602, 1170801, 1170802, employment, home based businesses and value adding rural 1170803, 1170804, 1170805, 1170806, 1170807 and activities. While larger pastoral companies have expanded, 1170808 have been included in the rural area of the Shire. smaller enterprises have declined and some property owners have subdivided their properties to create rural residential lots. The map below illustrates the collection districts which have been used to obtain data about the rural community. The The impact of the drought adds another challenge to the rural villages of Michelago and Numeralla have been included as community and can threaten families’ resilience to cope. The they do not have their own collection district. However, the social impacts of drought have varying degrees of severity, villages of Bredbo and Nimmitabel have not been included. from limited access to services, jobs and infrastructure supports, to involuntary separations as women, more often, leave to find work and/or education for children, to social isolation as people withdraw from community activities as a 123 Alston, 2004 p xiii
83 SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Map 3.7 Cooma Rural Collection Districts On census night, 2001 the rural area of Cooma-Monaro Shire had population of 2,443 (ABS 2001).
Figure 3.23 shows the total number of people in each collection district.
Figure 3.23 Rural Population
population by collection district 2001 e
l 800 p 700 o
e 600 p
500 f
o 400
r 300 e
b 200
m 100
u 0 n 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d c c c c c c c c c collection district
Source adapted from ABS, 2001
Source government agencies and Cooma-Monaro Shire Council
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 84
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Figure 3.24 Rural Population profile were less common.
% of People in each age group Total number of people 0-11 years by collection district in 2001 75+ 3% 0-4 Figure 3.25 Rural Children 0-11 5-11 55-74 5% number of people aged 0-11 years by collection 13% district in 2001 20% e l
p 140 o
e 120
p 100 12-17 f 80 o
60 10% r e 40
b 20
m 0
18-24 u n 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 5% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 40-54 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d 27% 25-39 c c c c c c c c c collection district 17%
Source adapted from ABS, 2001 Source: The Public Practice 2004 The total number of people aged 0-11 years in 2001 was 456. Note This does not include the collection district of 1170602 (the Michelago and Smiths Road area)
Compared with the rest of the Shire, the rural area had similar proportions of young families, similar proportions of mature families and similar proportions of older people. The proportion of children under twelve was similar to Cooma- Monaro, however the proportion of young people under twenty-five was much smaller. Older people aged 75 plus
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 85
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Female and male people 12-24 years by collection district in Female and male people 25-44 years by collection district in 2001 2001
Figure 3.26 Rural Young People 12-24 Figure 3.27 Rural Adults 25-44
number of females and males in the rural area in number of females and males 25-44 years by 2001 by collection district collection district in 2001
70 100
60 r r 80 e e 50 b b 40 female 60 female m m 30 40 u u 20 male male n n 10 20 0 0
2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c collection district collection district
Source adapted from ABS, 2001 Source adapted from ABS, 2001
There was a total of 362 people aged 12-24 years in 2001 in There was a total of 668 people aged 25-44 years in 2001 in the rural area. the rural area.
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 86
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Female and male people 45-64 years by collection district in Female and male people 65-74 years by collection district in 2001 2001
Figure 3.28 Rural Adults 45-64 Figure 3.29 Rural Older people 65-74
number of 45-64 year old people by collection number of females and males aged 65-74 years by district in 2001 collection district in 2001
120 40 r r 100 e e 80 30 b b female female 60 20 m m u u 40 male male n n 20 10 0 0
2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d d c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c collection district collection district
Source adapted from ABS, 2001 Source adapted from ABS, 2001
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 87
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
80 plus years by collection district in 2001 Figure 3.31 Age profile Rural v’s Cooma Town
Figure 3.30 Rural Older People 80+ % of People in each age group Rural v's Cooma Town
total number of people aged 80 years plus by 30 collection district in 2001 25
10 20
r 8 e Rural b 6 15 m 4 Cooma u
n 2 0 10
2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d c c c c c c c c c 0 collection district 0-4 5-11 12-17 18-24 25-39 40-54 55-74 75+
Source adapted from ABS, 2001 Source adapted from ABS, 2001
Note This does not include the collection district of 1170602 (the Michelago and Smiths Road area)
Figure 3.31 shows the percentage of rural people compared Median age with the percentage of people in Cooma by age group. The average median age of those in the rural area in 2001 was 40 years.
Speaks English only 91% (2218) of the population spoke English only.
Born overseas A total of 239 people were born overseas.
Households Most commonly, people in the rural part of the Shire live as a
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 88
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
couple:
Another 27% were dependent children living at home, while relationship in a household 75 years and over- the others were independent adults living alone, in group households, with parents or lodging; and 2% lived as single relationship total of rural area parents124. husband or wife in 26 registered marriage other related individual 15 Note This does not include the collection district of 1170602 (the Michelago and Smiths Road area) lone person 20 Source: ABS, 2001
Single (lone) person households Income Figure 3.32 Rural Lone person Households The median weekly individual income across the rural area in number of single person households by 2001 was $300-$399. collection district in 2001 The median weekly family income across the rural area in 50 2001 was $800-$999.
r 40 e
b 30
m 20
u The median weekly household income across the rural area in
n 10 0 2001 was $600-$699.
2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d c c c c c c c c c collection district
Source adapted from ABS, 2001
124 Public Practice, 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 89
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Education and Training conditions. total number of people that completed Year 12 The welfare impacts of drought include increasing health and Figure 3.33 Rural Education to Year 12 welfare problems, evident in the caseloads of service providers. It is clear from the research undertaken by the number of people who have completed year 12 by Centre of Rural Social Research that support service staff in collection district in 2001 financial counselling, health and drought services work hard to alleviate the worst stresses of drought, however, it is also 250
r 200 evident that they are experiencing significant increases in their e
b 150 workload, that there is need for enhanced staffing numbers m 100 u and that financial counsellors need the support of social work n 50 0 services126. 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 127 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 In 2001 there were 355 people employed in agriculture . 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d c c c c c c c c c collection district
Source adapted from ABS, 2001
Employment The report prepared by the Charles Sturt University’s Centre for Rural Social Research found that the impact of drought on workers and contractors is the stress of losing employment, added to the stress of accessing employment benefits and the need to consider moving from communities hit by drought.125 It is likely that once workers and contractors find alternative employment or leave an area there is either a shortage of these workers or replacement workers are not sought as the business rationalisation and profitability imperative mean that these workers are not replaced, even following drought 126 Alston 2004, p xiv 125 Alston, 2004 127 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 90
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
An internet search (18 May 2006) of dwelling and land prices Housing found the following: The rural area had an estimated 830 occupied dwellings in o $125 000 Shannons Flat 46 hectares 2001, made up of 813 detached houses, no town/terrace o $249 000 Badger Road 2 bedroom dwelling houses and 17 flats or units, with 374 more dwellings vacant. o $197,000 Jerangle 18.72 hectares The number of dwellings increased by 1.1% over 1996-2001 and at this rate would reach about 1,320 by 2010. The average occupancy was 2.6 persons per dwelling in 2001 and at the same address 5 years ago falling. With these trends, by 2010, the local population will be Figure 3.34 Rural Same Address about 2,219. number of at the same address 5 years ago, 2001 Some 50% of Shire rural area occupied dwellings were fully- e owned, fourth highest of Cooma-Monaro's districts, with l 500 p
o 400 another 28% being purchased, also greater than Cooma- e p
Monaro's average. The other dwellings were private rental f 300 o
r 200 (9%), with 0% public housing and 7% in another form of e b 100 tenure. Over 1996-2001, the proportion of dwellings being m u 0 purchased rose by 4.3 dwellings in every hundred, while the n 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 proportion in fully owned fell by 2.2 per hundred. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d d d d d d d d d The average cost of housing was equal to 22% of the average c c c c c c c c c household income. This was the fourth highest level among collection district the districts of Cooma-Monaro. The average weekly mortgage Source adapted from ABS, 2001 payment was $217 while the average weekly rent was $125.
Note This does not include the collection district of 1170602 (the Michelago and Smiths Road area)
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 91
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
The Social Impacts of Drought study undertaken by the Transport Charles Sturt Centre of Rural Social Research revealed the Car ownership in Shire Rural averaged 2.0 vehicles per need for increased health and welfare services in rural areas, household, equivalent to 98 cars for every 100 adults. This innovative models of service delivery and attention to rurally was the highest level of ownership among Cooma-Monaro appropriate service models. Farm family and small business districts and was up by 16% since 1996. people usually see their need for assistance in financial terms. Yet there is evidence that while this is the critical issue, it Note This does not include the collection district of 1170602 hides the need for social and emotional counselling. (the Michelago and Smiths Road area) The Rural Financial Counselling Services (RFCS) are appropriate and accessible for financial counselling but are In 2001, some 70% of Shire Rural's workforce travelled to stretched. These workers also find themselves called on for work, while 19% worked from home and 9% did not work that social and emotional counselling, tasks for which they are day (with the rest not saying). The most common method of inadequately trained. Rural Financial counselling services travelling to work was driving, used by 74% of travelling have provided to be excellent rural service models and should workers (greater than Cooma-Monaro's average). Another 2% be funded for ongoing service provision. There is an urgent used public transport, the fifth highest usage amongst the 13 need to expand these services with social work services128. districts. Only 5% walked or cycled to work, the ninth highest The current government policy for RFCS is to financial of the districts, while 3% used multiple means. counselling and referrals to appropriate social and emotional counselling. Note This does not include the collection district of 1170602 (the Michelago and Smiths Road area) In Cooma-Monaro Shire general practice services are
adequate. However there is limited bulk billing provided. Council has 750 km of formed and gravelled roads and 156 There are gaps in allied health services provided at Cooma km of sealed bitumen roads. Community Health Service, it has been suggested that Health incentives to attract professional health workers to rural areas and regional service centres such as Cooma are needed129. Cooma Community Health provide community nursing and The retention of allied health staff has also been difficult in allied health services to rural residents, except ex- recent years for a variety of reasons, including location of Yarrowlumla Shire area which is serviced by Queanbeyan Community Health. 128 Alston 2004 129 Alston 2004
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 92
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
family, and there are current vacancies for services such as Dental.
Communication and Technology • use of the internet in the rural area130 o 910 people stated that they used the internet o 1,414 stated that they did not
130 ABS 2002
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 93
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Murrumbidgee River. Access to the locality is via a road and Rural Localities river crossing near Colinton (half way between Bredbo and The following section provides a brief overview of the rural Michelago). There are approximately 18 landowners in the localities in the Shire. The map below illustrates the site of locality. the localities. Burra Map 3.8 Rural Localities in Cooma-Monaro Shire The southern portion of the locality of Burra is located north- east of the village of Michelago. Burra can be accessed either via Michelago or Queanbeyan. Dwellings in Burra are either rural residential or rural lots. The community are focussed on ACT and/or Queanbeyan for employment, education and services.
The Burra fire shed and community meeting area are located in the Palerang local government area.
Jerangle The locality of Jerangle is found in the north-east between the villages of Bredbo and Captains Flat. There is a small school at the hamlet of Jerangle.
Housing in the area is located on a mix of property types, some are being used for farming others are more lifestyle properties.
Shannons Flat
Source: Cooma-Monaro Shire Council adapted from government agency The locality of Shannons Flat is to the west of Cooma in the data. vicinity of the Murrumbidgee River. People travel to both Adaminaby (located in the Snowy River Shire) or Cooma for Bumbalong their services. Canberra can be accessed from this area. The locality of Bumbalong is found on the western side of the
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 94
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
The locality contains both farming properties and properties which are used on weekends and breaks only.
Smiths Road This area encompasses the localities of The Angle and Clear Range. It is on the western side of the Murrumbidgee River and accessed either from the ACT or via a low level crossing of the Murrumbidgee River at the northern end of the Shire which is also in the ACT.
The closest services and facilities are in the ACT. The majority of the dwellings are located on rural residential size lots. Some agriculture occurs in the northern part of the area.
During the 2005 Strategic Planning Project workshops members of the community stated that they liked the balance of lifestyle and access to services in the ACT. They also stated that the liked having access to major institutions whilst being able to enjoy a rural and community focused lifestyle. People feel part of the Tharwa (ACT) community.
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 95
SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Table 3.10 Rural – Summary of issues, strategies, responsibility, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY Median age in rural area increasing R1 Support community development initiatives. Cooma-Monaro B R2 Ensure viability of service delivery in rural areas by coordinating the delivery of Shire Council, allied health and other services provided by various government and non- GSAHS, MRHS government agencies to small towns and rural areas on out-reach basis
R3 Work with local communities to advocate for improvement to communications Limited communication services, services Cooma-Monaro B mobile coverage, dial-up or broadband, R4 Explore alternative methods and distribute and share information about available Shire Council, TV and radio coverage in some areas services that provide good value, e.g. using technology such as video and web Local Emergency conferencing and local community networks Management R5 Coordinate information distribution about emergency services e.g. type of service Committee, MRLIS provided and how to access them R6 Continue to support the development of the Monaro Regional Library and Information Service database of health and wellbeing services for the Monaro
R7 Liaise with relevant government and non-government bodies to address cross Cross border jurisdictional issues for border issues and provision of services in rural areas Cooma-Monaro B provision of community services R8 discuss the closure of Tharwa preschool and impacts on community with the Shire Council community
R9 Encourage local referrals to visiting specialists where appropriate High transport costs to access services MRHS, B NSWSEDGPs, GSAHS R10 Provide community awareness programs and literature on health and wellbeing Impact of drought and limited issues such as suicide prevention, promote the risks associated with drug and GSAHS, MRHS, B employment opportunities and social alcohol abuse, foot care campaigns and coping with stress education sessions for isolation Cooma Tourism, targeted populations. CMSC, DSRD, R11 Work with community businesses and government departments to increase Cooma Unlimited, opportunities for year round employment with the expansion of the tourist industry, BEC, Job Network, development of export services and manufacture of ‘value added’ products and Employment attraction of industry Services, R12 In partnership with local employment agencies investigate skills and qualifications Centrelink, TAFE, of local unemployed people to identify possible local employment initiatives, e.g. Schools major event organisers R13 Noxious Weed Property Control Plans in partnership with landowners Weed management Cooma-Monaro ongoing Shire Council R14 Refer to Road Asset Management Plan Community concern regarding the Cooma-Monaro
96 SOCIAL PLAN for community wellbeing
Table 3.10 Rural – Summary of issues, strategies, responsibility, priority IDENTIFIED ISSUES STRATEGY RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY condition of roads Shire Council People go to ACT for school and R15 discussion with the community Tharwa for preschool, however the Cooma-Monaro A preschool will close at the end of 2007. Shire Council
Quality and price of internet services R16 discuss with communication provider organisations and quality of telephone service Cooma-Monaro B Shire Council
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council 97