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The Central Coast has exhibited and
outstanding growth rate, exceeding the NSW averages, with Wyong one of the
fastest growing Shires in NSW. It is predicted and is apparent from the current
level of development that Wyong will have one of the highest population growth
rates in the Sydney epicentre.
Population
The last Census was conducted in 1996 with another due shortly. Projections for 2001 have
already been surpassed.
As of 1996 Census
there were 115,999 people in the Wyong Shire, 89,105 aged 15 years and over. The
average house size in Wyong is 2.5. The City of Gosford,
which adjoins, has 144,840
residents with 112,424 of them 15 years or older. The average house size in
Gosford is 2.6.
The availability of land suitable for
further development will see Wyong outstrip its sister Gosford, already slowing
in its development rate due to the topographical constraints. The property
sector has proved particularly healthy with steadily increasing home values and
rents while home prices have still remained in an affordable range until
recently, compared to
other centres . This has attracted
young families while the Central Coast remains a popular retirement destination.
Real People, Real Communities
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Recreation
facilities keep pace with the needs of a
diverse and rapidly growing community. |
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The
Central Coast is a place of great natural
beauty. Historically tourism has played an
important role in the Central Coast
economy. Tourist accommodation has grown
steadily in the Wyong area to meet this
demand. Development of The Entrance and
similar tourism facilities and
infrastructure has been high on the Shire’s
agenda. |
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Manufacturing
is alive and well on the
Central Coast with small firms predominant.
Numerous initiatives have been taken to
promote and develop industry throughout the shire. |
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The
highest growth rates have been exhibited by
the wholesale and retail trades sectors,
followed by recreation, finance, business
and property service |
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The Central
Coast generally acts as a
dormitory area for Sydney and commuting to Sydney from Wyong is predominant. |
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Quality education and training
facilities exist through the full range of school, tertiary and higher education
institutions. |
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Construction,
retail, business and property services
industries are predominant, followed by
health, community services and
manufacturing. Housing and construction has
played an important role in employment of
the local population. |
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Unemployment rates are unfortunately
high with competition for low skilled jobs is high. The rate of growth in population has far outweighed the rate of job
creation.
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| Infrastructure development throughout
Wyong lay the foundation for future
development with quality
communications and power facilities. Road and rail transport services are supported by an excellent network of arterial roads allowing quick
connection to the F3 freeway.
This affords rapid access to sea-ports airports to the north and south. Emerging
logistics patterns see Wyong well placed. |
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| Agricultural
production is an important part of the
Central Coast economy. Throughout Wyong
this includes turf, nursery, orchard fruit
poultry and hydrophonics. |
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| Plans are
for the development of a Regional Airport at Warnervale also in the Wyong
Shire. |
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