The council will soon ask for feedback from residents for its draft Open Space and Recreation Needs study and strategy - but this won't commence until January 15.

In the meantime a draft report sheds some light on the changes taking place in the city over the past decade or more.

Blackbutt and the City Centre are expected to grow by almost 2,900 people, an increase of more than 78 per cent, by 2031.

Shell Cove, meanwhile, is predicted to grow by 58 per cent over the next 11 years, adding 3,400 people to about 9,250.

In the 10 years since 2006, the number of dwellings in Shellharbour City has grown by 15 per cent - 32 per cent of new dwellings have been in medium density housing, 30 per cent have been caravans or cabins, while high density housing has decreased by 85 per cent.

To the west of Albion Park the "rural balance" is forecast to add almost 7,000 people by 2031 courtesy of major developments at Calderwood and Tullimbar, but these rural margins are largely beyond the reach of Shellharbour City Council's open space planning.

For more information check the council's feedback website.