RDA-Riverina Regional Profile
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Regional Profile 2014 Updated January 2014 RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014 Contents 1. Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 3 2. Terms of Reference ......................................................................................................................... 4 3. The RDA-Riverina Region ................................................................................................................ 6 Country Change ............................................................................................................................... 6 RDA-Riverina Local Government Areas........................................................................................... 7 4. Social and Demographic Profile .................................................................................................... 36 Population ......................................................................................................................................... 36 Regional Migration ........................................................................................................................ 39 Age Characteristics ........................................................................................................................ 42 Population Characteristics and Labour Force ............................................................................... 44 Housing ............................................................................................................................................. 46 Cost of Housing ............................................................................................................................. 48 Crime ................................................................................................................................................. 49 5. Geographical Profile ...................................................................................................................... 50 Land ................................................................................................................................................... 50 Water Use ......................................................................................................................................... 50 Climate .............................................................................................................................................. 51 Unique Features ................................................................................................................................ 52 6. Economic Profile ........................................................................................................................... 53 The Labour Market............................................................................................................................ 54 Employment Growth ......................................................................................................................... 58 Skill Shortages ................................................................................................................................... 59 Skilled Migration ............................................................................................................................... 63 7. Agriculture and Natural Resources ............................................................................................... 67 8. Tourism ......................................................................................................................................... 70 9. Gas and Electricity ......................................................................................................................... 72 Natural Gas Networks in NSW .......................................................................................................... 72 Electricity........................................................................................................................................... 73 10. Environment Profile .................................................................................................................. 75 Cultural Heritage ............................................................................................................................... 75 Murray-Darling Basin ........................................................................................................................ 76 Murrumbidgee River ..................................................................................................................... 77 1 RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014 Irrigation ........................................................................................................................................ 77 Riverina Local Land Services ............................................................................................................. 79 National Parks ................................................................................................................................... 81 Lakes and Wetlands ...................................................................................................................... 81 11. Education Profile ....................................................................................................................... 82 Number of Schools ............................................................................................................................ 82 Primary and Secondary School Enrolments ...................................................................................... 83 Higher Education ............................................................................................................................... 84 Post-School Qualifications ............................................................................................................ 85 Job Services Australia ........................................................................................................................ 86 12. Health Profile ............................................................................................................................ 88 Murrumbidgee Local Health District ................................................................................................. 88 Murrumbidgee Medicare Local..................................................................................................... 90 Health Institutions .............................................................................................................................. 2 13. References .................................................................................................................................. 4 2 RDA Riverina Regional Profile 2014 1. Executive Summary The RDA-Regional Profile 2013 provides a statistical analysis of the RDA-Riverina region. Using the most up to date data (gathered from the 2011 Census and ABS reports); this profile aims to provide individuals, community organisations and industry with an insight into the region. Data from this profile will be particularly relevant to community organisations and industry groups that need quantitative data to support submissions and business related activities. The Riverina region is home to the Murrumbidgee River and the major food producing areas of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) and Coleambally Irrigation Area (CIA). Renowned for being one of Australia‟s largest agricultural hubs, the Riverina region relies heavily on the agriculture sector for its economic prosperity. The MIA itself provides over one-quarter of all the fruit and vegetable production in NSW and is also one of Australia‟s largest exporters of bulk wines. The region not only grows but processes significant agricultural product from meat, rice/cereal, cotton, vegetables, fruit (citrus), nuts to wine. Retail, manufacturing (particularly value adding to food & beverages), health care and social assistance are also major employers in the region. The City of Wagga Wagga and Griffith are the major centres of the RDA-Riverina service area, home to approximately 60,000 and 24,000 people respectively. These centres located at the east (Wagga Wagga) and west (Griffith) of the region are hubs for the provision of health, education and other government services for the region. Wagga Wagga in particular has experienced significant population growth and has been noted as one of the state‟s fastest growing regional cities. Unemployment across the Riverina region was 4.4% and the workforce participation rate 64.5% (2011 ABS Census Participation rate & Unemployment rate DEEWR, Small Labour Markets Australia) in 2011. In December 2013 according to Department of Employment Small Labour Market Data the unemployment rose to 5% across the region. The median age is 41 for the region and the average weekly household income is $994 for the region (ABS Census 2011). The capacity to attract and retain skilled labour in the region will continue to be a challenge especially considering the aging population and migration of younger people aged 20-35years. However the region has projects such as Evocities www.evocities.com.au and Country Change www.couuntrychange.com.au that are looking to promote the employment, business and lifestyle opportunities that the region offers. The region has a strong education base with Charles