1344.8.55.001 - ACT Stats, 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 20/06/2006   
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MEDIA RELEASE

June 20, 2006
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
38/2006

ACT population gains from interstate migration

The number of people moving to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) from interstate has exceeded those relocating in the opposite direction for the first time in seven years, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

According to the most recent population estimates released by the ABS, the population of the ACT was 326,700 as at 31 December 2005. This represents an increase of 2,800 people (0.8%) from the previous year.

There are three components of population change that constantly affect the size and distribution of the ACT's population: natural increase (the number of births minus the number of deaths); net overseas migration (net permanent and long-term movement); and net interstate migration.

Generally speaking, changes in the total population growth rate for the ACT are driven by changes in net interstate migration, with low rates of population growth over recent years largely the result of interstate migration losses. After recording population losses due to net interstate migration since 1998, there was a small net gain (70 people) from interstate migration during the 2005 calendar year.

Net overseas migration reduced the size of the ACT population by 380 people during 2005. This represents the first net overseas migration loss for the ACT since 1999.

Natural increase continues to be the main source of population growth within the ACT, adding 2,800 people to the population during 2005.

Other key findings included:
  • The Statistical Subdivision (SSD) of North Canberra recorded the largest growth in population during the year ended 30 June 2005 (860 people, or 2.1%) followed by Gungahlin-Hall SSD (750 people, or 2.5%).
  • Tuggeranong SSD experienced the largest population decline during the year ended 30 June 2005 (770 people, or 0.9%).
  • Of the Statistical Local Areas (SLAs) within the ACT, Gungahlin-Hall SSD Bal (which includes the suburbs of Gungahlin Town Centre and Harrison) experienced the largest increase in population (780 people), followed by Turner (350 people) and Banks (250 people).

More details are in the June 2006 issue of ACT Stats (cat. no. 1344.8.55.001) available free of charge from the ABS web site <www.abs.gov.au>.