November 5 2006

Unprecedented population growth continues (now and into the future): Fraser

Queensland has continued its unprecedented boom as the country’s population growth state with the release of new statistics which also show the number of people calling the SunshineState home will grow by a further 1.54 million over the next two decades.

Launching the Queensland Population Growth – Highlights and Trends 2006 publication today Premier Peter Beattie and Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser said the report showed for the year to June 2005:

• A net total of 31,494 people moved to Queensland from other states – an average of about 600 each week

• There were 52,092births registered in the period – the highest number ever recorded

• Overseas migrants accounted for 29,555 new arrivals over the course of the year – an average of almost 570 new people every week

“Overall, the State’s annual growth of 2.3 per cent – from 3,888,077 people in June 2004 to 3,977,052 people in June 2005 – was well above the national average of 1.2 per cent,” Mr Beattie said.

“People from other parts of Australia – and indeed the world – continue to be attracted to Queensland because of our warm climate, great outdoor lifestyle and our growing economy.”

Mr Fraser said:

“The number of people being born in Queensland is more than double the number of people dying. This is significant given the ageing population.

“But while the advantages of population growth are many, it also puts pressure on water resources, infrastructure, housing, energy and the environment.

“Statistical information like this is essential for the State Government and local councils so we can put in place solid planning for the future.

“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring our popularity doesn’t change our way of life – we are prepared for this phenomenal shift in population which is unprecedented in our time.

“Through projects such as the $66 billion South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan, the Blueprint for the Bush, South East Regional Water Supply Strategy, Regional Planning, Coastal Management Plans and council planning schemes, we are meeting these challenges.

“It’s absolutely critical that we manage our population growth in the smartest possible ways to ensure our communities remain strong and healthy for future generations.”

Where our new arrivals are living

Queensland’s estimated resident population sped past the four million mark before Christmas last year – and our new arrivals are not confined to the south-east corner with many of our regional centres experiencing significant population increases.

CairnsCity had the highest population increase of any local government area outside of South East Queensland, with an extra 2,957 people bringing the city’s population from 125,327 to 128,284 people.

Population growth in selected regional centres in Queensland for the year to June 2005, in order of percentage growth, was as follows:

However, the south east continues to rate as the number one destination.

“South East Queensland remains the State’s population driver, accounting for almost 70 per cent of Queensland’s growth,” Mr Fraser said.

“Almost 2.73 million of us – or two thirds of the State’s population – call South East Queensland home, with an average weekly population increase of more than 1,000 people.”

South East Queensland’s population grew by around 55,081 people from 2,670,799 to 2,725,880 people – the equivalent of adding a city the size of Redcliffe to the region in a single year.

The fastest growing South East Queensland local government areas for the year to June 2005, in order of percentage growth, are as follows:

Population boom will continue

In addition, projections show Queensland’s population will grow by 1.54 million over the next 20 years, with more than 5.5 million people expected to call the State home by 2026 and expected to underpin a continuing robust property market.

“That’s an average increase of about 77,000 people each year,” Mr Fraser said.

“When you consider that average growth in the 20 years to 2006 was by around 71,000 people each year, that’s a pretty significant increase.

“By 2026, the population of the south-east region is projected to be 3.96 million – that equates to an extra 1.18 million people in the south east corner of the State.

“This growth won’t be limited to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, however – population in the Western Corridor of Ipswich City and Beaudesert Shire is expected to more than double over the next 20 years.

“Meanwhile, six of the top ten areas with the highest forecasted growth are on the coast, including the Local Government Areas of Miriam Vale, Livingstone, Caloundra, Calliope, Gladstone and Whitsunday.”

Queensland’s future population - 2006 edition is freely available from the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation’s website www.lgp.qld.gov.au/pifu.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 0419 710 874