POPULATION


Population change, Queensland

Regional population growth


POPULATION CHANGE, QUEENSLAND

The preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) for Queensland was 4,349,500 at 31 December 2008, an increase of 106,700 (2.5%) since 31 December 2007. Queensland accounted for 20% of the Australian population at 31 December 2008.

Between the September 2008 quarter and the December 2008 quarter, 42% (12,400 persons) of the total population increase of 29,400 persons was due to natural increase (excess of births over deaths), 39% (11,600 persons) to net overseas migration and 18% (5,400 persons) attributable to net interstate migration.

Further information about Queensland's population can be accessed from Australian Demographic Statistics (cat. no. 3101.0) or by contacting the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070. This publication is released quarterly.


REGIONAL POPULATION GROWTH

At 30 June 2008, the Queensland population was estimated to be 4,293,900 persons. The south east corner comprising Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and West Moreton Statistical Divisions accounted for two-thirds (66%) of the state's population.

Regional Population(a), By Statistical Division - At 30 June - 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008
		2001	2006	2007	2008
		'000	'000	'000	'000
Statistical division
	Brisbane	1 663.1	1 857.8	1 902.2	1 945.6
	Gold Coast	387.1	466.4	484.6	497.8
	Sunshine Coast	247.2	295.1	304.1	312.8
	West Moreton	77.2	86.4	88.6	90.7
	Wide Bay-Burnett	232.0	264.1	271.3	278.0
	Darling Downs	209.0	225.8	228.8	231.6
	South West	27.0	26.4	26.2	26.2
	Fitzroy	186.5	206.2	210.9	214.8
	Central West	13.6	12.5	12.4	12.3
	Mackay	137.5	159.8	163.6	167.7
	Northern	190.3	209.9	215.4	220.7
	Far North	224.2	247.3	254.3	262.1
	North West	34.3	33.2	33.5	33.7
Queensland		3 628.9	4 090.9	4 196.0	4 293.9
(a) Estimates as at 30 June are final for 2001, preliminary rebased for 2006 on results of the Census of Population and Housing, 2006, revised for 2007 and preliminary for 2008. For all years, Statistical divisions are based on the Australian Standard Geographical Classification 2008 Edition.
Source: Regional Population Growth, Australia (cat. no. 3218.0).

The fastest growing statistical divisions over the seven years between 30 June 2001 and 30 June 2008 were: Gold Coast with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%, Sunshine Coast (3.4%) and Mackay (2.9%). Three statistical divisions recorded negative average annual growth during the same period: North West (-0.2%), South West (-0.5%) and Central West (-1.5%).

For more information on Queensland's regional population distribution, please refer to Regional Population Growth, Australia (cat. no. 3218.0) or contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070. This publication is released annually.