Published Wednesday, 27 June, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
ALL ROADS LEAD TO QUEENSLAND
Queensland's population growth is outstripping the rest of the nation as Australians vote with their feet on the best place to live, Premier Peter Beattie said today.
Mr Beattie said the 2006 Census data released today showed Queensland's population had grown by 10.9 percent to 3,904,532 since the 2001 Census, an increase of 382,488 people.
"Our population is growing quicker than any of the other states or territories - proof positive that Australians regard Queensland as a dynamic place to live," Mr Beattie said.
"In the past 10 years, our population has risen by 20.2 percent compared with a national rate of 11.9 percent.
"At the same time, Brisbane has been the fastest-growing capital city, with an increase of 21.5 percent over 10 years. Growth in the Sunshine Coast (36%) and the Gold Coast (32%) is also very strong.
"This growth is good news for the Queensland economy, but also brings challenges. That's why this year's budget has a record infrastructure spend of $14 billion - bigger than any other state.
“We have budgeted for major commitments in housing, health, community safety, water, education and jobs to cater for record growth now and into the future."
Mr Beattie thanked Queenslanders for participating in the Census, and providing information that was vital for future planning and growth.
“To bring those plans to fruition, we need to know where the people are and what they need, and that is what the Census is all about.”
ENDS
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Media Inquiries:
Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said the 2006 Census data released today showed Queensland's population had grown by 10.9 percent to 3,904,532 since the 2001 Census, an increase of 382,488 people.
"Our population is growing quicker than any of the other states or territories - proof positive that Australians regard Queensland as a dynamic place to live," Mr Beattie said.
"In the past 10 years, our population has risen by 20.2 percent compared with a national rate of 11.9 percent.
"At the same time, Brisbane has been the fastest-growing capital city, with an increase of 21.5 percent over 10 years. Growth in the Sunshine Coast (36%) and the Gold Coast (32%) is also very strong.
"This growth is good news for the Queensland economy, but also brings challenges. That's why this year's budget has a record infrastructure spend of $14 billion - bigger than any other state.
“We have budgeted for major commitments in housing, health, community safety, water, education and jobs to cater for record growth now and into the future."
Mr Beattie thanked Queenslanders for participating in the Census, and providing information that was vital for future planning and growth.
“To bring those plans to fruition, we need to know where the people are and what they need, and that is what the Census is all about.”
ENDS
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Media Inquiries:
Premier’s Office 3224 4500