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Why use this indicator?Education develops knowledge and expertise and contributes to the strengthening of social skills. Education enhances personal development and is an essential component of a sustainable community. Education contributes to a stronger economy by providing a skilled labour force and providing greater opportunity for residents for better employment prospects. The accumulation of knowledge can also increase the rate of technological change, thus accelerating economic growth. An educated community allows for a wide range of employment opportunities and can help develop a diverse region with a strong social and economic framework to maintain a sustainable community. What is the current situation?The 2006 Census shows 42,346 Penrith residents attending educational facilities (24.7% of the total population). The 2001 Census showed that there were 45,595 residents of Penrith City attending educational facilities (26.5% of the total population). Of these, the greatest proportion were in primary school and secondary school. Compared to the Sydney Region, Penrith had a lower percentage of residents attending University. The 2006 Census shows 42,346 Penrith residents attending educational facilities (24.7% of the total population). The main changes reflect the general Sydney demographic patterns of increased preschool participation and reduced school age proportion of the population. While the Sydney Region showed a slight rise in University attendance from 2001-2006, Penrith City evidenced a slight fall. The 2008 Strategic Community Survey indicated a generally high level of satisfaction among Penrith City residents with regard to their access to educational facilities. The highest area of dissatisfaction was with regard to access to preschools (8.3%), Universities (11.5%) - despite the University of Western Sydney Penrith campus - and other education services and facilities (9.8%). Council, through the Penrith City Children's Services Cooperative, provides a major early childhood education infrastructure, including 17 long day care centres, supplementing a similar number of private institutions. Identifying and advocating for the appropriate and timely provision of primary and secondary schools is integral to Council's planning services. Strong partnerships with the University of Western Sydney and Western Sydney Institute of TAFE are maintained. What is the desired trend?An increase in residents attending educational facilities. What does this mean for the Sustainability of Penrith City?Education can provide for a strong socially sustainable community with enhanced opportunity for economic growth.
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