Impacts of Population Growth on the Crows Nest Area

Introduction

Location and Map

Crows Nest is a suburb on the lower North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Crows Nest is located in the North Sydney precinct, 5 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of North Sydney Council. At the 2016 Census, there were 4,798 residents in Crows Nest. Crows Nest is a significant commercial district which is known for its variety of shops and restaurants. It is centred on the junction of five main roads about 1km north by northwest of the original site of Crows Nest House

Location: 5 km (3 mi) N of Sydney CBD

Figure 1 – Map of Crows Nest

Focus Questions, Hypothesis and Aims

Focus Questions

1. How does the growth of Sydney population effect housing for residents in the Crows Nest Area?
2. How does the growth of Sydney population effect transport times around or to Crows Nest for residents?
3. How does the growth of Sydney population effect employment in Crows Nest?

Aims and Hypotheses

Through my research I will aim to learn what growth in population can do to small areas of a big city through three major topics, housing, transport and employment. My hypotheses for my focus questions are as follows:

1. The growth of Sydney population will affect housing through a raise in prices and a decrease in size.
2. The growth of Sydney population will affect the travel times around the Crows Nest area due to a rise in cars on the roads and construction of the Sydney Metro, causing a lower number of trains flowing through the system.
3. The growth of Sydney population will affect employment in Crows Nest as there are likely to be more residents, meaning more competition for people seeking a job in the one area. This would be ruled out if more businesses were to constantly open in the area.

Methodology

My methods to gain primary data will be done through all different types of ways. For my traffic count my method will be to go to the Crows Nest area and count a tally of cars going past. This will result in data that will either go against or support my hypotheses of traffic rising in the Crows Nest Area. My survey will be conducted by me creating and sending a number of questions heavily based on my focus questions, out to many members of the public. This will help my final answer as it will give me indications as to what people around me are observing in the Crows Nest Area. My last Primary Source will be my personal observation. This will involve me going to Crows Nest, walking around and taking down notes on the following topics, housing, transport and employment. This data will support me as I will have a greater gauge and understanding as to the three major topics in the Crows Nest Area.

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My methods to gain my secondary data will be done in a completely different way to my primary data. My secondary data will generally be found on the internet through videos, websites and articles. All of my data will be portrayed as links to those secondary sources. My method to find websites will be going onto the internet, searching up my main topics (housing, transport and employment), finding websites that have information on my topics, copying the link and pasting it into my SGP document. Similar to my method to find websites, finding my articles will consist of me going onto the internet, searching up my main topics (housing, transport and employment), looking for articles, reading the articles, finding important parts of the article that relate to my focus questions, copying the article link and pasting it into my SGP document. My last piece of secondary data will come from videos. Again, I will be searching up my main topics on the internet, finding videos that relate to my topics and, watching the videos and then copying and pasting the link into my SGP document. All of this secondary data will support and help my SGP as I will have others external influence to gain a larger understanding and also give more information to what I will be saying.

Sydney Population

With focus on the population growth in Sydney affecting urban areas, the following statistics display the predicted forecast as well as hypothesis that will happen with the rise of people.

“Between 2016 and 204, the population for the City of Sydney is forecast to increase by 130,044 persons (58% growth), at an average annual change of 2%”. Population Australia have said, “Sydney’s growth rate is very consistent and strong ranging from 1.89% to 10.88%, adding around 90,000 to 467,000 people each year to the overall population”.

Figure 2 – Sydney Population Increase

There is no doubt that Sydney population is increasing. With an increase of population in Sydney we start to consider and if certain areas will be able to cope with the rise and whether the city or town will attract people from other areas of the world. In focus of Crows Nest, I will be analysing how Sydney’s population is affecting the area.

Findings – Primary Data

Survey:

Recently I sent out a survey to many members of the public asking them if they’ve seen a change in the Crows Nest Area following the recent rise in Sydney’s population. My questions were heavily revolved around my focus questions for this task, asking the public if they have seen a change in community, housing, employment and transport times (traffic). With responses, I had some very interesting results come back. 64% said they have seen a change in housing prices in Crows Nest. 79% said they have noticed a change in traffic in the Crows Nest Area. 89% said they have seen no change in employment around the Crows Nest Area. 60% responses said they have noticed a change in community around the Crows Nest Area. From the responses I had to my survey questions, it is clear to see that the public believe there has been a major change in the Crows Nest area with population being a very big cause.

Personal Observation:

It is very clear to me that with the rise of Sydney Population, we are seeing changes to urban areas, in this case, Crows Nest. We are seeing all different changes, through housing, traffic, employment the community in general. When exploring the Crows Nest area, I noticed large amounts of building being knocked down to be replaced by apartments. This alone shows that the population growth is making urban areas build higher homes rather than wider. On my journey, I also came across a realization of heavy traffic, particularly in the morning. With more residents in Crows Nest, the more cars we find on our roads affecting transport times to things like work and training. Lastly, I discovered a clear change in ethnicity in the area. This is one of the changes in community happening, along with an unhappy feel around the area due to such a sudden change for the community.

Figure 4 – Crows Nest Metro

Figure 3 – Crows Nest Construction

Figure 5 – Current Crows Nest community area

Traffic Counts:

In 2019, When I was looking at the traffic in Crows Nest, Falcon Street had an average daily traffic count of 25,569 cars. In 2019, Military Road, had an average daily traffic count of 37, 157 cars. These stats support my hypotheses that with a rise of population, there will be a rise in traffic and cars on the road. With more outsiders coming to live in Crows Nest, we are seeing a clear rise in cars on the road which is affecting the atmosphere through pollution.

Figure 6 – Crows Nest Traffic

Findings – Secondary Data

This secondary data that I have found comes through a variety of websites, articles and videos that have helped me gauge a larger understanding into the Crows Nest area and what happens in the surrounds. In searching google for different factors and statistics, I have found the following resources the most helpful out of all those that I looked through. Photos from various searches I have conducted have helped me gain a further insight into exactly what goes on in the Crows Nest area that may be easy to miss for the naked eye.

My secondary data has been formed through information being found through the links below. This has allowed me to obtain a more wholesome experience in answering questions based on the Crows Nest Area.

The first website I researched gives information on the current population in Crows Nest and the different sub-groups that come together to form Crows Nest’s population. The second website indicates the amount of daily traffic the area has. How many cars have passed through the area on a daily basis. The third website I analysed outlines how statistics are forming a population forecast for both Crows Nest and Sydney. The final website I gained information from is the Census, outlining all facts given by the public in a Government conducted survey.

With the help of a video from Domain, I looked into the future of housing prices for Sydney, whether they will be increasing or decreasing, and at which rate they will be doing so. I used this information to answer my focus question of whether housing prices in the Crows Nest Area have risen or fallen.

The final secondary source I used was a map. I used a map of the Crows Nest area to discover the areas surrounding, whether It can be seen as a popular area or not. The Crows Nest Area Is on the lower North Shore, located in the North Sydney precinct, 5 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of North Sydney Council.

Question 1

How does the growth of Sydney population effect housing for residents in the Crows Nest Area?

I my hypotheses I came to a conclusion that the growth of Sydney’s population will affect housing through a raise of price and a decrease of size.

According to realestate.com.au, Crows Nest has 79 properties available for rent and 22 properties for sale. The Median property price over the last year has ranged from $1,803,000 for houses to $905,000 for units. In analysing figure 2, it was clear that my hypothesis was somewhat incorrect with this graph showing that prices have decreased more for houses, more than they have increased. A house in Crows Nest during September 2018 would cost roughly $1,905,000. Looking forward into a couple of months ago, In March 2019, a house would cost a buyer around $1,810,000. This proves that my hypothesis was incorrect. Prices of houses in the Crows Nest area have decreased more than they have increased. These statistics lead me to the conclusion that Sydney’s population growth has not affected the housing prices of the Crows Nest Area.

Figure 7 – Housing and Unit Prices in Crows Nest from September 2018 to May 2019

Question 2

How does the growth of Sydney population effect transport times around or to Crows Nest for residents?

In my hypothesis I stated that the growth of Sydney population will affect the travel times around the Crows Nest area due to a rise in cars on the roads and construction of the Sydney Metro, causing a lower number of trains flowing through the system.

Through analyzing the 2016 Census, I discovered the way people travel to work in Crows Nest. In Crows Nest, the most common methods of travel to work were Car, Bus, Walking and Train. 865 people in Crows Nest travel to work in their car, 638 people take the bus, 446 people walk to school and 312 people take the train.

These statistics prove my point to be correct and incorrect. My hypothesis said that traffic congestion will rise, which is correct but I stated that people will be effected with train times, which is incorrect as taking the train to work is the least popular form of travel.

Figure 8 – Crows Nest residents way to work

Question 3

How does the growth of Sydney population effect employment in Crows Nest?

In my hypothesis I stated that the growth of Sydney population will affect employment in Crows Nest as there are likely to be more residents, meaning more competition for people seeking a job in the one area. This would be ruled out if more businesses were to constantly open in the area.

Through analyzing the 2016 Census, I found that there were 3,100 people who reported being in the labour force in Crows Nest. Out of 3110 people living in Crows Nest, 106 people are unemployed (3.4%). There are 2,294 full time workers, 591 part time workers and 119 people who are away from work.

Through these statistics it is clear to see that the rise in Sydney’s population has had a minor effect on people seeking jobs in the Crows Nest area. With 97% of Crows Nest residents working, it is obvious that there is no struggle in finding a job.

Figure 9 – Crows Nest Employment

What is Happening around the Crows Nest Area to cope with the Growth of Sydney’s Population?

With the constant rise of Sydney’s population, there seems to be a constant trend whereby people are flowing from all different areas into places like Crows Nest, somewhere not so developed and close to the city.

To cope with this situation, it is clear that the North Sydney council are preparing for an influx of new residents. This is evident through two main points; construction and transport. With the constant construction throughout the area, the council have decided to build multiple apartment blocks to cater for those wanting to join the Crows Nest community. This is evident in figure 6 as it shows the plans for the area featuring high rise buildings and a train station to support those wanting transport to get to and from this newly popular area.

Figure 10 – Crows Nest Plans

A further example of North Sydney council preparing for an influx of newcomers is evident through the newly constructed Woolworths. This Woolworths sits in the heart of Crows Nest accessible for those near and far. Fitted with a large car park, it is a clear message the North Sydney council are sending to those concerned. This particular Woolworths was built to cater for those who don’t have time to travel to further destinations to do their daily shopping trips. This new Crows Nest Woolworths is evident in figure 7. On the 29^th of January, 2014, Woolworths announced their $40 million plan to “transform the older Woolworths store and car park into a thriving retail hub with modern facilities, more choices and a better shopping experience”. Woolworths stated that the redevelopment would create more than 300 jobs during the construction period, along with 120 local jobs at both Woolworths and six speciality shops.

Figure 11 – Crows Nest Woolworths

Action Plan and Log Book

Action Plan

Log Book

Conclusion

In Conclusion,

This Senior Geography Project has allowed me to gauge a larger understanding into topics I had little knowledge about. The Primary and Secondary Data that I was able to collect lead my hypothesis to be both correct and incorrect with the rise of Sydney’s population affecting certain Areas or rural areas like Crows Nest.

Through the research and practical activities I performed, it is clear that my perceptions of Sydney’s population effect was completely wrong as I found all three of my hypothesis to be incorrect. My hypothesis were revolved around three focus questions all revolving around the growth of Sydney’s population, and what that can do to urban areas like Crows Nest.

My discoveries find; the growth of Sydney’s population hasn’t effected employment in Crows Nest, Sydney’s population growth has not affected the housing prices of the Crows Nest Area, and, Sydney’s population growth has not effected traffic in the Crows Nest Area. My most important finding would have to be discovering that Crows Nest are making more room for people flowing in from areas less popular than Crows Nest. This is evident through the constant construction in the area, building new apartments to house those wanting to live in the newly popular area.

I believe I have a larger understanding into a modern day topic which can become very helpful in future years.

Evaluation

Through doing this Final Senior Geography Project, I would’ve changed many factors of what I did from the start to finish. Across the project I felt I could’ve put in much more effort than I actually did. I could’ve ventured into more areas as well as statistics. I would’ve liked to challenge myself more than I did with maybe more isolated topic, I believe the topic I chose was very broad leading to confusion of what my actual focus was. Another challenge I would’ve liked to take on would’ve been an interview and or conversation with someone who was sharing the same interest as me to get there views and thoughts on the topic I was analysing.

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I was happy with the way I conducted myself throughout the time I have been doing the project. I have submitted all my files on time, seeing top marks flow through my grades. I was happy with the quality of content I gained as well the quantity of content I gained. Through constant research and activities, I was able to gain the required amount of data used to answer my focus questions. The survey I created was very important as I gained a different point of view from those around me, not just my perceptions about the topic. This forced me to rethink my thoughts and consider being in the position of others.

Recommendations

This taking part in the Year 11 Senior Geography Project, I would like to raise a couple of points. A strong recommendation that I have for the Geography department falls under more check-ups on the students work prior to the final submission. Rather than only two progress submissions, more should be considered as many students start to fall off track on the way to the final submission. This would ensure constant research and activities being undertaken which would overly lead to a more conductive response for both the department and the student.

For the students, I would recommend planning and taking action as soon as you are presented with the task. Make sure you involve yourself in all different types of activities to ensure a well rounded response to your overall question. Gain a large knowledge of your question so that you are not scrambling for information when it comes to the crackdown. Leave yourself plenty of time to chip away and edit your work in order for a finalised submission with limited mistakes.

Bibliography

• Quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au. (2019). 2016 Census QuickStats: Crows Nest (NSW). [online] at:https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC111 1 [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].
• Woolworthsgroup.com.au. (2019). Woolworths to commence $40m transformation of Crows Nest supermarket – Woolworths Group. [online] Available at: https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/page/media/Latest_News/Woolworths_to_commence_40m_transformation_of__Crows_Nest_supermarket [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].
• Crows-nest.localstats.com.au. (2019). Crows Nest Demographics (NSW) Local Stats. [online] Available at: http://crows-nest.localstats.com.au/demographics/nsw/sydney/lower-north-shore/crows-nest [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].
• nettletontribe. (2019). New Woolworths Complex Opens in Crows Nest, NSW – nettletontribe. [online] Available at: https://www.nettletontribe.com.au/another-test-news-item-7/ [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].
• Worldpopulationreview.com. (2019). [online] Available at: http://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/sydney-population/ [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].
• Profile.id.com.au. (2019). City of Sydney population growth. [online] Available at: https://profile.id.com.au/s_sydney/population-growth [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].
• SEEK. (2019). [online] Available at: https://www.seek.com.au/jobs/in-Crows-Nest-NSW-2065 [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].
• Realestate.com.au. (2019). Crows Nest Property Market, House Prices, Suburb Profile & Investment Data. [online] Available at: https://www.realestate.com.au/neighbourhoods/crows-nest-2065-nsw [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].
• Community Connect. (2019). Community Connect – Community Transport Services. [online] Available at: http://communityconnect.org.au/ [Accessed 26 Jul. 2019].

Appendices

Appendix 1

Survey Questions

• Is there a clear rise of population in Crows Nest?

Yes or No

• Have you noticed a change in housing prices in the Crows Nest Area?

Yes or No

• Have you noticed a change in traffic around the Crows Nest Area?

Yes or No

• Have you noticed a change in employment around the Crows Nest Area?

Yes or No

• Have you noticed a change in the community around the Crows Nest Area?

Yes or No

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4

Appendix 5

Appendix 6

Appendix 7

Appendix 8