Here comes the boom

BY MATT NICHOLLS

PORT Macquarie could return to its boom period of the 1980s, if future predictions are correct.
Figures released last week said the population of the Port Macquarie-Hastings area would continue to increase by around one per cent a year for the next 18 years, bring the region’s population to about 90,000 by 2031.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams welcomed the news.
“Growth is good news for the local economy, but with it comes an increased demand for a range of infrastructure and services,” the state MP said.
“The data reflects significant increases in both our young and older demographics.
“Over 65s will increase by 58 per cent or 10,650 people and under 15s are set to increas by 10.1 per cent or 1350 people.
“This of course will mean an increased demand for a range of services to cater for these two very different age sectors including health, education, transport and housing.”
Mrs Williams said the substantial growth of seniors living in the district would place greater stress on the delivery of age-related services, including retirement villages, nursing homes and particular health-related services.
“Our area already has one of the highest prevalences of dementia in Australia and is predicted to increase dramatically over the next 30 years,” she said.
“As our community ages, all levels of government will need to take responsibility to deliver improved and expanded services.
“We will all need to work collaboratively if we are to meet the challenges facing the Port Macquarie-Hastings community over the coming decades.”

No posts to display