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Sales Activity
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Population
Population growth drivers in Merimbula - Tura Beach are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends
As of Aug 2025, Merimbula - Tura Beach's population is approximately 11,632. This figure represents an increase of 119 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,513. The growth from June 2024 to Aug 2025 is estimated at 78 validated new addresses. The population density is around 119 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Merimbula - Tura Beach has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Population projections indicate an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Merimbula - Tura Beach expected to grow by 1,781 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 15.2% over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Recent residential development output has been above average within Merimbula - Tura Beach when compared nationally
Merimbula - Tura Beach has received approximately 62 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that from Financial Year 2020 to Financial Year 2025, a total of 314 dwellings were approved. As of FY-26, there have been 4 approvals recorded. Over the past five financial years, an average of 1.4 new residents per year has accompanied each new home.
This indicates a balanced supply and demand dynamic in the housing market, with new dwellings averaging $526,000 in construction cost. In FY-26, commercial approvals have amounted to $12.6 million, indicating moderate levels of commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Merimbula - Tura Beach demonstrates approximately 75% of the construction activity per capita, placing it among the 71st percentile nationally in terms of construction activity intensity. New building activity in the area is composed of 49.0% detached dwellings and 51.0% medium to high-density housing. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.
This change marks a significant departure from the current housing pattern, which consists of 75.0% houses. The density of population per dwelling approval is approximately 206 people, indicating a low-density market. Future projections suggest that Merimbula - Tura Beach is expected to grow by 1,765 residents by the year 2041. Current development trends appear well-suited to meet these future needs, supporting steady market conditions and mitigating extreme price pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Merimbula - Tura Beach has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 40thth percentile nationally
Infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones include Templo Merimbula, Club Sapphire Hotel and Conference Centre, Lakewood Lifestyle Village, and Supercheap Auto and BCF Merimbula. The following list details those most relevant.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wolumla Structure Plan
Adopted structure plan providing a strategic framework for the development of approximately 1,096 new dwellings across three major land holdings in Wolumla. The plan guides infrastructure provision including transport networks, utilities, and community facilities to integrate new residential areas with the existing village. Council secured $50,380 in funding in July 2025 to prepare an infrastructure contributions plan. The development will effectively triple Wolumla's population over an estimated 25-year timeframe and addresses housing shortage in the Bega Valley Shire.
Lakewood Lifestyle Village
An 86-unit seniors housing facility in Merimbula approved by the NSW Land and Environment Court following a deemed refusal by the Bega Valley Shire Council. The amended proposal includes independent living units, communal and recreational facilities, parking, and landscaping, with a reduced scale to address community concerns about height, bulk, and visual impact.
Club Sapphire Hotel and Conference Centre
Proposal for a 100-room, four-plus star hotel and conference facility, approximately five to seven storeys, to be built atop the existing Club Sapphire. The development is part of the club's strategy to diversify income streams and reduce reliance on gaming revenue. It requires a planning proposal to amend the maximum building height on the site from 16m to 21m or 26m. The concept development application (DA) is on hold pending the finalisation of the planning proposal.
Templo Merimbula
A luxury short stay hotel precinct, renamed 'Mati' by the developer, consisting of a hotel and 14 townhouses, plus a restaurant. The design uses the natural slope of the emerald hill to maximize ocean views from the living spaces, and incorporates endemic planting and durable materials to blend with the coastal environment. The project was Development Application approved in 2024.
Ocean Drive Townhouse and Apartment Complex
Development Application (DA2021.365) to be determined by the Southern Regional Planning Panel (PPSSTH-173) for a complex of 27 townhouses and 32 apartments with basement parking on a site at 63 Ocean Drive and 460 Arthur Kane Drive, Merimbula. Concerns have been raised regarding density, bulk, and scale of the development. Council assessment staff provided non-support of the application and requested it be withdrawn as of May 2023. A Public Determination Meeting was scheduled for July 28, 2023.
Mirador Residential Development Stages 8, 9 and 13
The proposed action is the final stages (8, 9, and 13) of the Mirador residential development, involving the clearing of approximately 21.39 ha of native vegetation on a 52.5 ha site for low-density housing lots and associated infrastructure. The development is subject to a Federal environmental assessment due to potential significant impacts on threatened species and habitat, including the long-nosed potoroo and Merimbula Star-hair. The development is anticipated to accommodate between 126 and 252 residents upon completion and has an estimated start date of January 2025.
Shearwater Estate
New residential land subdivision and construction of homes in central Tura Beach. The estate offers spacious residential lots ranging from 900m2 to 1500m2 on level ground. Infrastructure like roads, power, water, and sewage are being installed, and new homes are being built/sold, indicating the project is in the construction phase.
Club Sapphire Residential Development (DA Approved - Site For Sale)
A previously approved residential development for a four-storey complex with 40 luxury apartments and 68 car spaces on a 4,084sqm site. The project was put on hold due to rising construction costs and the site is currently being advertised for sale by the developer. The site has Development Approval (DA) for the 40-unit residential flat building and strata subdivision.
Employment
Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, Merimbula - Tura Beach has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally
Merimbula-Tura Beach had an unemployment rate of 2.9% in June 2025. This was 0.7% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.
The workforce participation rate was 49.5%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food had a strong representation with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, mining had lower representation at 0.2% compared to the regional average of 2.5%.
In the year ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 3.6%, employment declined by 4.6%, leading to a 1.0 percentage point increase in unemployment rate. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. In NSW, as of Sep-25, employment had contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National data showed an unemployment rate of 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 projected national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Merimbula-Tura Beach's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
Merimbula-Tura Beach had a median taxpayer income of $44,236 and an average income of $57,377 in financial year 2022. These figures are lower than Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. As of March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $48,925 (median) and $63,459 (average), based on a 10.6% growth in wages since financial year 2022. Census data indicates that Merimbula-Tura Beach's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 16th and 24th percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows that 28.7% of individuals earn between $1,500 - $2,999, which is consistent with the surrounding region's trend of 29.9%. After housing costs, 86.0% of income remains, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Merimbula - Tura Beach is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region
In Merimbula-Tura Beach, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.7% of dwellings were houses, with 25.4% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 84.3% houses and 15.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Merimbula-Tura Beach was similar to Non-Metro NSW at 51.3%. Of the remaining dwellings, 26.3% were mortgaged and 22.4% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,600, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure stood at $340, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $320. Nationally, Merimbula-Tura Beach's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Merimbula - Tura Beach features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 64.9% of all households, including 19.4% couples with children, 37.3% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.1%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.2.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Merimbula - Tura Beach shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist
Educational qualifications in Merimbula - Tura Beach show that 23.2% of residents aged 15 and above have university degrees, compared to the New South Wales average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.1% and graduate diplomas at 3.5%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 29.0%. In total, 22.1% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 8.2% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.
The region has four schools with a combined enrollment of 1,419 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 992) and offering balanced educational opportunities. Among these are two primary schools, one secondary school, and one K-12 school.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Merimbula - Tura Beach has 202 active public transport stops operating within the area. These stops are serviced by a mix of buses along 43 individual routes. The total number of weekly passenger trips provided is 542.
Residents typically live 164 meters from their nearest transport stop, indicating excellent accessibility to public transportation. On average, there are 77 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Merimbula - Tura Beach is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Health data indicates significant health challenges in Merimbula - Tura Beach, with high prevalence of common conditions among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 48% (5,618 people), lower than the national average of 55.3%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.6%) and mental health issues (8.4%). About 59.9% of residents report no medical ailments, similar to Rest of NSW at 59.6%. The area has a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and over, at 34.0% (3,958 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 31.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Merimbula - Tura Beach is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Merimbula-Tura Beach, as per the census data from June 2016, had a cultural diversity that was below average. Among its population of 3,943 people, 84.5% were born in Australia and 91.1% held Australian citizenship. The language spoken predominantly at home was English with 96.0%.
Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 48.0% of the population. While Judaism constituted only 0.1%, this figure is similar to that of the rest of NSW. The ancestry of residents showed a majority of English descent at 34.5%, followed by Australian at 29.0% and Irish at 9.4%. Notable differences in ethnic group representation included Dutch, which was slightly overrepresented at 1.6% compared to the regional average of 1.4%, Scottish at 8.7% (regional average: 8.6%), and Welsh at 0.6% (regional average: 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Merimbula - Tura Beach ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
The median age of Merimbula - Tura Beach is 53, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to Rest of NSW, Merimbula - Tura Beach has a higher concentration of residents aged 65-74 (17.6%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.0%). This 65-74 concentration is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 10.9% to 12.2%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.7% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.3% to 14.3%, and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 18.7% to 17.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Merimbula - Tura Beach's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 101%, reaching 973 people from 483. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 cohort is projected to decline by 26 people.