Mining boom spurs population growth in Bowen Basin

The Bowen Basin is currently experiencing record population growth as a result of expansion in the coal mining industry, Treasurer Andrew Fraser said today.

Mr Fraser said the latest Bowen Basin Population Report provides a useful statistical snapshot that quantifies resident and non-resident population, essential information for future strategic planning.

As of July 31 2007, the Bowen Basin boasted 89,300 people, with 11,075 of these classified as non-resident workers who either fly or drive into the region for work and then return to their permanent homes.

“The Bowen Basin population has increased by 1720 people in 12 months, with 1400 calling the area home, while the rest are there for work only and call elsewhere home,” Mr Fraser said.

“The number of non-resident workers has increased by about 3 per cent or 312 people for the year, which also suggests strong job growth in the mining sector.”

Mr Fraser said that the report shows that one in four jobs in the Bowen Basin is now performed by non-resident workers.

“This is particularly evident in Nebo Shire where non-resident workers outnumber the resident population. Around 2,868 non-resident workers were counted in July 2007, compared to only 2,716 residents”.

“In the past it has been difficult to quantify the number of non-resident workers, as ABS resident population statistics don’t include them.

“However, non-residents still use certain local services and facilities, which have to be planned for and provided by government and the private sector.

“The data in this report provides an accurate picture of the Bowen Basin’s true population, in order to plan for future infrastructure, housing and essential services for communities in the region.

“It also fulfils a commitment made by the Government to local mayors to help them better track the numbers of people within their shires, as housing affordability and availability has been a concern.”

Mr Fraser said housing affordability in the region was easing slightly, highlighted by the growth in full-time residents and a slight fall in occupancy rates at caravan parks, hotels, motels and other dwellings.

“The rental housing situation is improving in some centres with vacancies in Moranbah, Dysart and Clermont, towns which were totally full last year.

“Rents for accommodation in the Bowen Basin are still among the highest in Queensland, and the report found the largest source of accommodation for non-resident workers were single person quarters.”

The report found 13,850 beds in single person quarters were available across the Bowen Basin and accounted for 83 percent of non-resident accommodation.

“Not all local communities support the use of single person quarters by mining companies so it is important that local housing is also provided for workers in this vital industry,” Mr Fraser said.

The report also estimates that the size of the Bowen Basin’s resident population increased by around 1,400 people between 2006 and 2007.

Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce said this growth was evidence that the supply of new housing was slowly catching up with the high level of demand.

“While it places some pressure on services and infrastructure, generally this boost in the resident population is great news. Communities benefit from the money that permanent residents pump into the local economy, in terms of housing investment and day to day spending,” Mr Pearce said.

“A strong local economy, jobs growth and opportunities for Queenslanders, overall is positive for the Bowen Basin region.”

Mr Fraser said the recent floods in central Queensland would have an impact on the Bowen Basin but until the flooding eases the full economic effect could not be determined.

A breakdown of resident and non-resident population by shire is provided in the following table from the report.

Non-resident work populations and Full-Time Equivalent population of LGAs in the Bowen Basin, June 2007

(insert table here).

Sources: * PIFU (2007) unpublished. ** PIFU, Survey of accommodation providers, 2007

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 3224 5982 / 0419 710 874