4.6 per cent of the community requires assistance with core activities. This represents 465 people.

The number of people requiring assistance has increased by 205 people in the ten-year duration between the 2011 and 2021 Census, representing an increase of 78.8 per cent. The need for assistance has seen a steady rise over the decade, with a sizeable increase of almost 50 per cent across the five-year period between 2016 and 2021.

In addition, the number of people that have 'not stated' a need for assistance has decreased by 14.9 per cent between 2011 and 2021.

Whilst there is a large representation of over 55 years that require assistance with core activities, there is also an identified need in young people, particularly in the 5-14 year age group.

The 5-14 year age group has seen a 38.5 per cent increase over the past five years, or an additional 22 young people in the period. A significant increase was also reported for those aged 55-85, with 187 more people requiring support with core activities than in 2011.

There are 850 people providing unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, health condition or due to old age, which is an increase of 297 people from 2011. There are 25 (2.9 per cent) young people aged 15-19 providing unpaid support, 215 (25 per cent) people aged 45-54, and 55-64 with 187 people or 22 per cent. Those aged 35-44 make up 17.5 per cent of those that provide support which equates to 149 people.

The biggest increases between 2011 and 2021 were seen with those aged 45-54 years, with 94 more people providing unpaid support, followed by those aged 65-74, with 66 more people providing unpaid support.

Mental health conditions (including depression or anxiety) are the highest long-term health condition in the Boyne Island Tannum Sands region, with 833 people, or almost 10 per cent of the population. People identifying with this health condition are most likely to be in the 25-65 year age group, representing almost 70 per cent of the total. Young people are also reporting this long-term health condition with 17.2 per cent in the 0-25 year age group. Mental health is slightly higher from a regional perspective at 9.5 per cent.

Arthritis is most prevalent in the over 55 community and is consistent in both Boyne Tannum and across the Gladstone Region.

Asthma is experienced across the age profile, with 6.4 per cent of the Boyne Tannum community experiencing this long-term health issue. Rates are slightly higher across the region at 7.9 per cent.

Considerations:

• Mental health continues to be the most prevalent long-term health condition across the region, and in Boyne Island Tannum Sands. 17.2 per cent of people with mental health conditions are aged between 0-25 years, and almost 70 per cent are aged between 25-65. Community Development programs should consider targeted programs for young people and the middle aged.
• Almost 25 per cent of people requiring assistance with core activities are aged between 5-14 years. Consideration should be given when planning for parks and recreation, cycle paths, and youth programs.

Census 2021

TOP 5 Long-Term Health Conditions