About the Bega Valley Shire
The Bega Valley Shire and its surrounds... the unique coastline abounds in deserted beaches, tranquil rainforests, serene rivers and lakes, and picturesque mountain backdrops.
The Bega Valley Shire (also known as the Sapphire Coast) is located at the south-eastern extremity of coastal NSW, Australia. The Shire is predominantly rural, with many townships and villages.
Land is used primarily for conservation and timber production. The next biggest land use is agriculture, particularly dairy farming. Fishing, oyster harvesting, tourism and retail are also important industries.
The unique coastline abounds in deserted beaches, tranquil rainforests, serene rivers and lakes, and picturesque mountain backdrops. This is a land of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, cultural diversity, and great food and wine.
Overview
- Population: 35,9421
- Population growth per annum: 1.18 per cent (over 10 years)1
- Area: 6,040 square kilometres (3,753 square miles)
- 78 per cent national park or state forest
- 2,000 ha of Council owned or managed public reserve
- 22 per cent rateable land
- Towns: Bega, Merimbula, Pambula, Eden, Tathra, Bermagui
- Villages: Bemboka, Cobargo, Candelo, Wyndham, Quaama, Wolumla, Pambula Beach
- Coastline: 225 km (139.8 miles)
- 101 ocean beaches
- 26 estuaries
- Employment: 13,3742
- Unemployment: 8.7%2
- Businesses: 3,1461
- Largest employer: Healt Care and Social Assistance (1,930)3
- Largest industry:
- by value added: Health Care and Social Assistance ($149.6 million)3
- by output: Manufacturing ($495.1 million)3
- Home ownership/mortgage: 75.3%1
- English speaking only: 90%1
- Bachelor or higher degree: 15%4
Data sources:
1 ABS 2021; 2 National Skills Commission December 2021; 3 National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) 2021; 4 ABS 2016
Towns within the Bega Valley Shire
© Bega Valley Shire Council 2024
Our council websites
Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
-
Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332