Kempsey Shire

Kempsey Shire
New South Wales

Location in New South Wales
Population: 29,331(2009)[1]
Established: 1976
Area: 3380 km² (1,305.0 sq mi)
Mayor: John Bowell[2]
Council Seat: Kempsey (Cnr Elbow and Tozer Streets, West Kempsey)
Region: Mid North Coast
State District: Oxley
Federal Division: Lyne, Cowper
Website: http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au
LGAs around Kempsey Shire:
Armidale Dumaresq Nambucca Pacific Ocean
Walcha Kempsey Shire Pacific Ocean
Walcha Port Macquarie-Hastings Pacific Ocean

Kempsey Shire is a local government area in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It is on the Pacific Highway and the North Coast railway line. Kempsey Shire was formed in 1976 by the amalgamation of the former Kempsey Municipality and the former Macleay Shire.

Contents

Towns and localities

Economy

According to the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the median invididual income was $319 per week (equal to approximately $16,634 per year). The median family income in 2006 was $737 per week (equal to approximately $38,429 per year); and, the median household income in 2006 was $614 per week (equal to approximately $32,016 per year).

There were 9,017 people employed in 2006 (to give an employment to working age population ratio of 0.53), and 1,200 people unemployed. The most common occupations were Technicians and Trades Workers (15%); Labourers (15%); and, Managers (14%). The top 5 industries for employment were School Education (6.2%); Cafes, Restaurants and Takeaway Food Services (4.1%); Hospitals (3.5%); Supermarket and Grocery Stores (3.5%); and, Residential Care Services (2.8%).

Demographics

In the 2006 Census of Population and Housing there were 27,387 usual residents living in Kempsey Shire. Of this count, 13,783 (or 50%) were males and 13,604 (or 50%) were females.

By age, 21% of the population was under 15 years old, 62% were between 15 and 65, and 18% were over 65 years old.

Most people living in Kempsey Shire were born in Australia (86%). The median age was 42 years.

Council

Kempsey Shire Council is composed of nine councillors elected proportionally. The mayor is not directly elected.[3] The current makeup of the council is as follows:[3]

Party Councillors
  Independents and Unaffiliated 9
Total 9

The current council, elected in 2008, is:[3]

Councillor Party Notes
  John Bowell Unaffiliated Mayor
  Betty Green Independent
  Jenny Sproule Unaffiliated
  Janet Hayes Independent
  Dean Saul Unaffiliated Deputy Mayor
  Liz Campbell Unaffiliated
  Jim Gribbin Independent
  Ellis Walker Independent
  Alan Snowsill Independent

Housing

In the 2006 Census of Population and Housing, the median housing loan repayment was $953 per month. This equated to marginally under 39% of median household income.

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

The average household size was 2.4 persons.

References

  1. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (30 March 2010). "Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2008–09". http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/3218.0Main%20Features42008-09?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3218.0&issue=2008-09&num=&view=. Retrieved 3 June 2010. 
  2. ^ "Kempsey Shire Council". Department of Local Government. http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/dlg/dlghome/dlg_CouncilContactDetails.asp?slacode=4350. Retrieved 2006-11-21. 
  3. ^ a b c "Kempsey Shire Council". 2008 Election results. Electoral Commission NSW. http://www.lg.elections.nsw.gov.au/LGE2008/result.Kempsey.html. Retrieved 2009-06-17.