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Population increase predicted to slow

Gosford Council has projected a population increase of 10.5 per cent on the Peninsula over the next 10 years.

It is estimated the Peninsula's population in 2011 will be 37,527.

The council has predicted an "ultimate population" in 2035 for the Peninsula of 44,651, an increase of 31.5 per cent on the 2001 population of 33,964.

The figures were included in amendments proposed to the Peninsula Open Space and Recreation Contributions Plan 31C.

They also show a population increase of 13 per cent, from 29,981, over the last 10 years.

Woy Woy, with a population of 12,727, is expected to grow 10.9 per cent in the next decade, compared to a five per cent growth in the last 10 years.

Umina (16,731) is expected to grow eight per cent, compared to 18.8 per cent in the last decade.

Ettalong (4506) is expected to grow 18.4 per cent, compared to 19.5 per cent.

The figures were based on existing planning zones and "has been derived from development take-up rates both current and future, current and future occupancy of units and also displacement of existing population through redevelopment".

The Council has revised its expected average occupancy rates down from three people in a dwelling, sized larger than 110 square metres, to 2.5 people.

A dwelling of between 70 and 110 square metres would be expected to house two people and a 70 square metre dwelling was expected to house 1.5 people.

A medium density allotment was expected to house 3.5 people.

Census figures from 1981 to 1996 showed a population increase of 14.7 per cent (4027).

"Detailed analysis of these figures indicated that there was a loss of people living in the central spine of the Peninsula, and also from the Woy Woy and Ettalong beachfronts.

"Gains in population were experienced in the medium density areas in Woy Woy and Ettalong and in the new release area in western parts of Umina.

Council agenda SF.026, June 25