Cairns and Townsville high growth areas in Queensland

22 August 2007

Cairns and Townsville high growth areas in Queensland

Cairns and Townsville are two of Queensland’s highest growth areas, according to an analysis of the 2006 Census which was released today by the state government.

Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser said Queensland had continued to lead Australia, with unprecedented population growth, particularly in the South-East, regional cities and the resources corridor.

Brisbane, with 19,100 new people every year and the Gold Coast with 16,700, recorded the largest annual average growth of any local government area in the nation from 2001-2006.

“Given our rich resources, climate and infrastructure, it is of little surprise that we are experiencing historic population growth, which has major economic benefits for the state, however this does come with some challenges.” Mr Fraser said.

“That’s why we have to monitor our population increases and plan for Queensland’s future and get the right planning in place.”

Over the last five years, Cairns has grown in total by18 929 people or 3% per year, bringing the total number of residents to 136,558. Townsville has grown in total by 9,946 residents or 2.1% per year, bringing the total population to 102,020.

Thuringowa has also experienced significant grown with a total population increase since 2001 of 10,220 people or 3.6% per year, bringing the total number of residents to 62,935.

“I believe that this will continue given the phenomenal growth that is gripping the state because of our unique climate and stunning environment which needs to be preserved,” Mr Fraser said.

“Regional areas are also experiencing significant growth in areas where critical local government reform is now underway.”

“The independent Local Government Reform Commission quite rightly used population growth along with future population projections in reaching its recommendations which have lead to the historic council reform we are now undertaking.

“Cairns will be supported by the new Cairns Regional Council, which will incorporate Cairns City Council and Douglas Shire Council, while Townsville will be supported by the Townsville City Council that will incorporate Thuringowa City Council,” Mr Fraser said.

“Real change was needed and our historic raft of reforms will ensure councils have financial capacity and resources to meet the challenges of future growth.

“This data we release today cements the government’s commitment to local government and our regional areas and demonstrates why reform is urgently needed,” Mr Fraser said.

Mr Fraser said the government would continue to study and analyse the state’s population growth which was essential for strategic planning, to help build stronger, more sustainable councils.

Media Contact: Chris Ward 0418 424 654