MEDIA RELEASE
31 July 2012	Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	113/2012

Population growth in Australia between June 2001 and June 2011 was strongest in the outer suburbs, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The five areas with the largest growth in the country were all on the outskirts of Melbourne, with the largest increase in South Morang (up 32,200 people). Point Cook, Caroline Springs and Tarneit in Melbourne's west followed, each with growth of more than 20,000 people.

In other cities, Parklea - Kellyville Ridge, on the north-western fringes of Sydney had the largest population growth, up 18,700 people; and Ellenbrook, to the north-east of Perth's central business district increased by 17,700 people.

New South Wales
Three-quarters of population growth in NSW was in Sydney. The areas with the largest growth were Parklea - Kellyville Ridge (up 18,700 people) and Kellyville (11,900), both in Sydney's north-west growth corridor.

Victoria
Melbourne had the largest growth of all capital cities (up 647,200 people). Growth in Melbourne's outer suburbs contributed the most to Victoria's population growth.

Queensland
Brisbane's population increased by 25%, the second fastest capital city growth. Springfield Lakes, in Brisbane's south, grew from zero population in 2001 to 10,600 people in 2011.

South Australia
Pooraka, in Adelaide's north (up 10,100 people) and inner-city Adelaide (7,000) had the largest population growth. Munno Para West - Angle Vale, also in Adelaide's north, was the fastest-growing area, increasing by 125% to 7,900 people.

Western Australia
Perth had the fastest growth of all capital cities in Australia (26%). Most of this growth was in the outer suburban fringes of the city. The Pilbara had the largest and fastest population increase (23,300 people or 59%) of any region outside of Perth.

Tasmania
Tasmania was the only state or territory where growth in the capital city (18,000 people) was smaller than for the rest of the state (21,400). The areas with the fastest growth were Brighton - Pontville (up 55%), Margate - Snug (37%) and Austins Ferry - Granton (36%), all in Hobart.

Northern Territory
Darwin's population increased at nearly twice the rate (21%) of the rest of the NT (12%). The areas with the largest growth were Darwin City, Rosebery - Bellamack and Palmerston - North (all increasing by 3,000 people).

Australian Capital Territory
The population of the northern regions grew by 46,000 people, while the south only grew by 2,400. Gungahlin had the largest growth of all regions, more than doubling from 24,400 to 49,700 people.

For further information see Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2011 (cat. no. 3218.0).

Media notes:
1) When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.
2) This is this first release of regional population estimates using 2011 Census data.
3) This is the first release of regional population estimates under the new ABS statistical geography, this means we are referring to regions officially called SA2s (Statistical Areas Level 2), SA3s (Level 3) and SA4s (Level 4). In past issues, our commentary was based on the Local Government Area geography.
4) Unless otherwise stated, areas mentioned in this release are defined as SA2s, regions as SA3s and capital cities as Greater Capital City Statistical Areas.