Statistics give snapshot of changing Queensland landscape

Statistics give snapshot of changing Queensland landscape

Queensland’s latest population figures today give ratepayers a clear picture of the scope of the State’s new powerhouse council areas.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the population data – based on the results of the last Census – alters the demographic face of Queensland in the lead up to the March local government elections which will be staged for the first time under new council boundaries.

Mr Fraser said the statistics, which outline population distribution under the new boundaries, are critical for strategic planning for the future.

“The population spread was foreshadowed by the Local Government Reform Commission when it handed down its recommendations in July last year but the new figures give us a clear picture of what Queensland will look like after March,” Mr Fraser said.

“The data will also give the new councils a clearer insight into the make-up of their new local areas to help them play a bigger and more important role in our economy.

“And because the figures are derived from the Census, they also provide us with an accurate picture of the new Queensland – there was a determined campaign in the lead-up to the last Census to capture everybody in the state.

“These councils, as the Reform Commission also highlighted, will also be better equipped to play a bigger, more important role in areas like housing growth, managing population growth and the provision of critical infrastructure.”

Mr Fraser said Brisbane and the Gold Coast were still the State’s top two largest growing areas, accounting for over a third of Queensland’s entire population.

“But the data shows, for instance, that the new Moreton Bay Regional Council, made up of Pine Rivers, Caboolture and Redcliffe, is now the third largest local government area in terms of population - larger than the Sunshine Coast, which will become the fourth largest.

“Not far behind is Logan City in the number five spot - its population has increased significantly now with nearly 260,000 residents.

“The new Toowoomba Regional Council now comes in at number seven and would previously have never received a mention on the top 10 list.

“This data is valuable in terms of providing us with a blueprint to assist planning programs and infrastructure delivery that meet the needs of changing populations.”

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government, Warren Pitt said regional local government areas would play an increasingly important role in the growth of Queensland’s economy.

“Growth is phenomenal in our regional cities. The most populous is the new Townsville City (merged with Thuringowa) now ranking at number six with a population of nearly 165,000.

“Regional Queensland is yet to reach its full economic potential and will continue to attract people looking for new jobs and better lifestyles, plus growth opportunities for business.

“The report shows just how important the resources boom has been to regional councils such as Mackay, Gladstone, Isaac, Cairns, Townsville and Cook Shire.

“These councils are significant centres, with burgeoning populations and they are playing an increasingly important role in the State’s economy and tourism sector.

“I am confident the changing local government landscape will ensure Queensland’s new councils are better placed to meet these challenges, while maintaining their traditional focus on local representation, local planning and local services,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Fraser said Queensland gained another 462,600 residents in the five-year period from 2001-06 with a total population of 4.09 million.

The top 10 largest growing local government areas in South East Queensland and Regional Queensland are shown in the tables below. The full report is available at www.lgp.qld.gov.au/planning/?id=6968

Comparison of population of Queensland Local Government Areas before and after local government boundary change

South East Queensland – Top 10 largest growing Local Government Areas

Regional Queensland – Top 10 largest growing Local Government Areas

Media Contact Chris Taylor 0419 710 874

20 January 2008