DAROOK BEACH - CRONULLA
AGE STRUCTURE
The Sutherland Shire in 2006/07 has a total estimated population of 214,030. The age structure of Sutherland Shire is notable in that there is a spread of population across most age groups. The
dominant age groups in the region include the 35-49 year olds (showing a high share of older
adults without children) and 25-34 year olds. This age structure is often described as being an 'urban mix', with a range of different age groups in the population.
LAND CONTEXT
The Sutherland Shire is situated on the south-eastern rim of the Sydney basin. Its natural attributes of beaches, waterways, bush land and proximity to the Sydney CBD and sub-regional centers is a major contributing factor to the Shire’s character and attractiveness. With 370km2 in area, its size and location provides a diversity of landforms that include rugged sea cliffs, sandy beaches, dunes and estuarine and riparian systems.
The geology of the Shire is predominantly sedimentary in origin. Major soil types of the Shire are within the Hawkesbury Sandstone and Wianamatta Shale groups. Other soil types include a mosaic of sands from the Wollongong, Kurnell and muddy sediments of the Mangrove Creek soil landscapes, the Hawkesbury, Lucas Heights and Faulconbridge soils, with isolated pockets of Blacktown and Gymea. Within the Royal National Park, there are Bundeena, Yarrawarrah, Hawkesbury and Watagan soil landscapes.
Of the various soil types in the Sutherland shire acid sulfate soils have the greatest influence on land use activity along the coastal fringes. The major concern about acid sulfate soils is their potential to produce sulfuric acid that can:
• corrode and weaken concrete, iron, steel and certain aluminium alloys
• affect biodiversity and ecological integrity by degrading habitat, soil and water quality, killing or
disease of fish and other aquatic organisms
• dissolve certain essential elements from the soil–turning it toxic so plants will die
• kill fish and aquatic life, including plants with long term effect of reduced hatching and growth rates
Of the various soil types in the Sutherland shire acid sulfate soils have the greatest influence on land use activity along the coastal fringes. The major concern about acid sulfate soils is their potential to produce sulfuric acid that can:
• corrode and weaken concrete, iron, steel and certain aluminium alloys
• affect biodiversity and ecological integrity by degrading habitat, soil and water quality, killing or
disease of fish and other aquatic organisms
• dissolve certain essential elements from the soil–turning it toxic so plants will die
• kill fish and aquatic life, including plants with long term effect of reduced hatching and growth rates
Urban development in the Sutherland Shire has had a significant impact on the state of our land. Of the
108km2 of land directly under the control of the Sutherland Shire Council (i.e. excluding National Parks,
State reserves and the Australian Army site at Holsworthy) 73km2 (68%) has been cleared for
development. It is estimated that over the past decade approximately 5km2 of bushland was converted
into urban and industrial use in the Shire
108km2 of land directly under the control of the Sutherland Shire Council (i.e. excluding National Parks,
State reserves and the Australian Army site at Holsworthy) 73km2 (68%) has been cleared for
development. It is estimated that over the past decade approximately 5km2 of bushland was converted
into urban and industrial use in the Shire
These factors (above) all effect Darook beach and its soil. They are all linked and combind with one another to flow into the sea.
