Clarence Valley Council

Clarence Valley Council is a Local Government Area (LGA) in northern New South Wales. It was formed in February 2004 by the amalgamation of the LGAs of Grafton City and Maclean Shire, and parts of Copmanhurst, Pristine Waters and Richmond Valley LGAs. It is on the Pacific Highway, the Gwydir Highway and the North Coast railway line.

1 Demographics
2 Economy
3 Housing
4 Geography
5 References

[edit] Demographics

In the 2006 Census of Population and Housing there were 48,145 usual residents living in Clarence Valley Council. Of this count, 23,875 (or 50%) were males and 24,271 (or 50%) were females.

By age, 20% of the population was under 15 years old, 61% were between 15 and 65, and 19% were over 65 years old.

Most people living in Clarence Valley Council were born in Australia (88%). The median age was 44 years.

[edit] Economy

According to the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the median invididual income was $333 per week (equal to approximately $17,364 per year). The median family income in 2006 was $781 per week (equal to approximately $40,724 per year); and, the median household income in 2006 was $631 per week (equal to approximately $32,902 per year).

There were 16,929 people employed in 2006 (to give an employment to working age population ratio of 0.58), and 1,868 people unemployed. The most common occupations were Labourers (15%); Technicians and Trades Workers (14%); and, Professionals (14%). The top 5 industries for employment were School Education (5.3%); Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services (3.3%); Hospitals (3.2%); Sheep, Beef Cattle and Grain Farming (3.2%); and, Local Government Administration (3.0%).

[edit] Housing

In the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the median housing loan repayment was $953 per month. This equated to marginally under 38% of median household income.

The median rent in 2006 was $150 per week. This equated to just under 24% of median household income.

The average household size was 2.4 persons.

[edit] Geography

Its largest town and council seat is Grafton. Other towns in the region are Maclean, Yamba, Illuka, Junction Hill, Ulmarra, Coutts Crossing and Glenreagh. It also includes the small towns and villages of Angourie, Wooloweyah, Brooms Head, Sandon, Minnie Water, Diggers Camp, Wooli, Copmanhurst, Nymboida, Tucabia, Tyndale and Woombah.

The Clarence Valley region includes the coastal plain and lower valleys of the Clarence River and Nymboida River. Most of the valley is agricultural, however the oceanside towns of Yamba and Iluka are popular holiday resorts.^[2]