Drivers of population change
Tweed Shire is located in the far north coast of New South Wales. The Shire is adjacent to the Gold Coast in Queensland - in fact the northern suburbs of Tweed Shire are essentially an extension of the Gold Coast urban area. European settlement of the Shire dates from 1844, with land used mainly for timber-getting and farming. Once timber supplies were exhausted the Tweed Valley became a centre for sugar cane and banana growing. The Shire contains large tracts of national parks and environmentally sensitive areas, including part of the UNESCO heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests.
Development historyPopulation was minimal until the 1880s, with growth during the late 1800s. The inland areas of the Shire were the early focus of population, with Murwillumbah the major centre. The Murwillumbah Municipality was formed in 1902. The Tweed Heads area developed as a tourist area assisted by a direct rail connection to Brisbane. In the post war period, Tweed Heads has grown from a small holiday resort to a large urban centre, with the population of the Shire increasing from about 19,000 in 1947 to 22,000 in 1961, then to 25,000 in 1971. Rapid growth took place from the 1980s, aided by tourism, with growth particularly in the areas along the coast and to the south of Tweed Heads. The population increased from about 40,000 in 1981 to 54,000 in 1991, and then to about 81,500 in 2006. Areas such as Tweed Heads South, Tweed Heads West, Banora Point and Bilambil have experienced significant growth from the 1960s onwards. In more recent years, coastal growth has extended further south with towns such as Kingscliff, Casuarina and Pottsville expanding rapidly.
Migration patternsIn recent years population growth has been driven by migration from other areas of New South Wales and to a lesser extent Queensland. This migration has included large numbers of retirees as well as families with children. In the 2006-2011 period, the Shire attracted large numbers of persons from overseas as well from Sydney and south east Queensland. It is expected that there will be continued demand for residential development in Tweed Shire due to its high amenity level, coupled with transport improvements that have shortened commuting distances to the Gold Coast in particular.
Housing role and function
The Shire comprises some diversity in terms of residential and economic role and function. Tweed Heads comprises large numbers of medium and high density dwellings that attract retirees, as well as young adults seeking rental accommodation. Murwillumbah and the smaller rural towns are more traditional rural service centres with good access to the coast and are expected to slowly increase in population. These areas will continue to lose young adults (18-24 year olds) seeking employment, educational and lifestyle opportunities closer to Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Tweed Heads South, Banora Point, Terranora and Bilambil have more of a ‘suburban’ role in attracting families. Towns further south including Kingscliff, Casuarina Beach and Pottsville, as well as new growth areas such as Cobaki Lakes are expected to attract both families with children as well as retirees. This variety of function and role of the small areas in Tweed Shire means that population outcomes differ significantly across the area.