Sunshine State Population Growth Rate to Slow

Queensland’s record population growth rate will slow over the next 25 years according to new State Government projections.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas told State Parliament today that updated population projections for 2006 to 2031 showed a projected 1.7% annual growth rate – well down on the average annual growth rate of 2.4% in the five years to June 2006.

“While Queensland’s population is expected to reach almost 6.3 million by 2031, the growth rate is set to decline,” Mr Lucas said.

“In the five years to June 2006, Queensland’s average annual population growth was 2.4%. But population projections for the 25 year period to 2031 show a lower average annual growth rate of 1.7%.

“By 2012 we expect to have reached the peak of the cycle with projections showing an easing of the growth rate back to 2% by 2013 and then to 1.5% in 2021.”

Mr Lucas said Ipswich was expected to be the state’s fastest growing local government area in the next 25 years with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%.

In Brisbane City, growth is expected to be just under 1% per annum to 2031.

The Sunshine Coast is expected to grow around 2.1% each year between 2006 to 2031 – a significant slow-down compared to a 3.4% growth rate in the 10 years to June 2006.

And on the Redlands, the slow-down in growth is even more pronounced with growth of 2.5% a year in the 10 years to June 2006 dropping to annual growth of 1.5% between 2006 and 2031 - well under the statewide growth rate.

“This shows our strategy to direct most of our growth to the western corridor is working,” Mr Lucas said.

“And we’re backing growth in the western corridor with a massive investment in infrastructure.

“We’re partnering the Federal Government in upgrading the Ipswich Motorway and extending the Centenary Motorway from Springfield to Ripley and Yamanto.

“And we’re extending the rail line from Darra to Springfield and protecting a public transport corridor all the way through the Ripley Valley into Ipswich.”

Mr Lucas said the figures would be provided to councils for future planning.

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