POPULATION

Population change, Queensland
Regional population growth


POPULATION CHANGE, QUEENSLAND

The preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) for Queensland was 4,253,200 at 31 March 2008, an increase of 91,900 (2.2%) since 31 March 2007. Queensland accounted for 20% of the Australian population at 31 March 2008.

Between the December 2007 quarter and the March 2008 quarter, 59% (14,600 persons) of the total population increase of 24,900 persons was due to net overseas migration, 21% (5,200 persons) was attributable to net interstate migration and 21% (5,100 persons) to natural increase (excess of births over deaths).

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

REGIONAL POPULATION GROWTH

At 30 June 2007, the Queensland population was estimated to be 4,182,100 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 and 2007
		2001	2006	2007
		'000	'000	'000
Statistical division
	Brisbane	1 629.1	1 820.4	1 857.6
	Gold Coast	432.6	518.1	535.5
	Sunshine Coast	247.2	295.1	303.1
	West Moreton	65.7	72.7	74.3
	Wide Bay-Burnett	236.5	269.3	275.7
	Darling Downs	210.4	227.1	229.3
	South West	27.0	26.4	26.2
	Fitzroy	181.7	200.6	204.5
	Central West	12.5	11.6	11.4
	Mackay	137.5	159.9	163.1
	Northern	190.3	209.6	214.3
	Far North	224.2	247.6	253.7
	North West	34.3	33.2	33.3
Queensland		3 628.9	4 091.5	4 182.1
(a) Estimates as at 30 June are final for 2001, preliminary rebased for 2006 on results of the Census of Population and Housing, 2006, and preliminary for 2007. For all years, statistical divisions are based on the Australian Standard Geographical Classification 2007 Edition.
Source: Regional Population Growth, Australia (cat. no. 3218.0).

The fastest growing statistical divisions over the six years between 30 June 2001 and 30 June 2007 were Gold Coast with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%, Sunshine Coast (3.5%) and Mackay (2.9%). Three statistical divisions recorded negative average annual growth during the same period: North West (-0.5%), South West (-0.5%) and Central West (-1.5%).

Note: On 24 July 2007, the ABS released preliminary rebased estimates of regional population for June 2006, based on the results of the 2006 Census of Population and Housing. On 1 October 2007, additional data was released with this product. At that time, spreadsheets and a data cube containing estimates for all years from June 1996 to June 2006 became available.

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