A newly released regional health report has revealed that the Clarence Valley is facing some of the most pressing health challenges in the North Coast, with alarming figures in areas such as chronic disease, mental health, access to care, and ageing population needs.
The Health Needs Assessment 2025-2028, published by Healthy North Coast, compared 12 local government areas across the region. While communities across the North Coast face hurdles, Clarence Valley stands out for consistently ranking among the most vulnerable.
A Region Under Strain
With a population of just over 54,000, Clarence Valley has the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and over (27%), and that figure is set to grow by 22% in the next six years. Three per cent of the population lives with dementia, the highest rate in the region, and a staggering 85 in every 1,000 residents require assistance due to age or severe disability, far surpassing state and regional averages.
Gaps in Healthcare Access
Healthcare accessibility is another major concern. The Clarence Valley has one of the lowest numbers of GPs per capita, with 1,429 patients for every full-time GP more than double the patient load in Ballina. After-hours GP access is nearly nonexistent, with just 3% of residents using these services, compared to the national average of 17%.
These gaps are forcing more people to seek help at hospital emergency departments, which are overwhelmed with non-urgent cases making up 75% of presentations.
Mental Health in Crisis
The region’s mental health statistics are especially concerning. The suicide rate in Clarence Valley is 22 per 100,000 people, double the NSW average. A majority of residents 7 in 10 report difficulty accessing essential mental health services such as GPs, psychiatrists, and psychologists.
Post-natal depression is also double the regional average, and 40% of survey respondents listed mental health as one of the most serious concerns in their community.
Lifestyle and Chronic Conditions
The report also found Clarence Valley leads the North Coast in several preventable health risk categories:
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40% of adults are obese, compared to the NSW average of 31%
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28% report risky alcohol consumption, the highest in the region
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59% consume inadequate fruit, and smoking remains higher than the state average
The area also has the highest rate of Type 1 diabetes in the North Coast, disproportionately affecting those over 65.
Poverty and Disadvantage a Common Thread
The Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage places Clarence Valley well below the national average, with a score of 940 (compared to 1,000 nationally). Median weekly personal income is just $578, the lowest of all surveyed LGAs.
Housing stress is also rising fast. Homelessness has increased by 82% since 2021, and domestic violence rates sit at 7 per 1,000 residents, higher than the state average.
A Community in Urgent Need of Support
With so many overlapping health and social challenges, the Clarence Valley’s needs are urgent and complex. The report identifies the need for:
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Greater investment in healthcare infrastructure and GP recruitment
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Expanded outreach and digital health services
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Tailored mental health and chronic disease prevention programs
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Stronger partnerships between community, health, and social services
Have your say: Do you or someone you know struggle with accessing healthcare in the Clarence Valley? Share your story by emailing us at clarencevalleycommunityinfo@gmail.com
