1386.0 - What's New in Regional Statistics, Jun 2010  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 23/06/2010   
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POPULATION AND PEOPLE


RECENT RELEASES

Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2008-09

2011 Census of Population and Housing


REGIONAL POPULATION GROWTH, AUSTRALIA, 2008-09

Released on 30 March 2010, Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2008-09 (cat. no. 3218.0) contains estimates of resident populations of areas of Australia as at 30 June each year from 2001 to 2009. The areas for which estimates are provided are Local Government Areas (LGAs), Statistical Local Areas (SLAs), Statistical Divisions (SDs), Statistical Sub Divisions (SSDs), Statistical Districts and states and territories of Australia, according to the 2009 edition of the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC).

Some of the key findings from this publication are below.

POPULATION CHANGE

Australia's estimated resident population (ERP) reached 21.96 million at 30 June 2009, increasing by 456,700 people since 30 June 2008. The 2008-09 growth rate of 2.1% was higher than the average annual growth rate of 1.8% for the five years to June 2009.

All states and territories experienced population growth in 2008-09 with the largest population increases continuing to be recorded in Australia's three most populous states. New South Wales experienced the greatest growth (up by 119,500 people), followed by Queensland (116,500) and Victoria (116,300). This was the first year since 2000-01 that any state overtook Queensland as the largest growing state.

For the third consecutive year, Western Australia recorded the fastest population growth rate at 3.1% in 2008-09, ahead of Queensland (2.7%), the Northern Territory (2.5%) and Victoria (2.2%). The remaining states and territories had population growth rates below the Australian average, with Tasmania experiencing the slowest growth at 1.1%.

Population growth continued to be most prominent in inner city areas, outer suburbs, urban infill areas and along the coast. Areas that have seen decline include inland, rural areas that have been affected by drought in the last few years or mining areas.


SLA POPULATION CHANGE, Australia - 2008-09
map: SLA Population Change, Australia 2008-09


2011 CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING

What is the Census?

The Census of Population and Housing is the largest statistical operation undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It aims to accurately measure the number of people in Australia on Census Night, their key characteristics, and the dwellings in which they live.

The scope of the Census is all people in Australia on Census Night, other than foreign diplomats and their families. Visitors to Australia are counted regardless of how long they have been in the country or how long they plan to stay. More information on the Census can be found in How Australia Takes a Census, 2006 (cat. no. 2903.0), which will be updated in the lead up to the 2011 Census.

The Census is conducted every five years. The next Census, Australia’s 16th, is planned for the night of 9 August 2011.

Making your community count

In the preparation for the 2011 Census the Australian Bureau of Statistics is seeking the advice and support of community focused and government organisations. The 2011 Census Local and Regional Engagement Strategy (cat.no. 2911.0.55.001) discusses how your organisation can be involved.

2011 Census News

The content of the 2011 Census has been announced. Find out more in Census of Population and Housing: Nature and Content, 2011 (cat.no.2008.0)

The 2011 Census results will be released on the new geography standard, the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS). The discussion paper, Census of Population and Housing - ABS Views on 2011 Census Output Geography, 2011 (cat. no. 2911.0.55.002) was released on 9 March 2010, which invited comments on the proposed implementation plans. Submissions have now closed, however, this release contains useful information on the geographical areas for which data from the 2011 Census will be available.

What else is happening?

Census Test 2010

During June 2010, the ABS will be conducting the Census Test 2010 in selected areas of New South Wales and South Australia. Keep a lookout on the ABS website for more information.