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POPULATION CHANGE - STATES AND TERRITORIES

POPULATION CHANGE IN THE SYDNEY SD

At June 2006, 63% (4.29 million) of NSW's population resided in the Sydney SD. The annual growth rate for the Sydney SD for 2005-06 was 0.9%, representing an increase of 37,200 people.

Growth in Sydney SD

For 2005-06, the five largest increases in LGA populations in NSW all occurred in the Sydney SD. Blacktown (C) recorded the largest increase, up 5,000 people, followed by Bankstown (C) (2,900 people), Sydney (C) (2,900 people), Parramatta (C) (2,600 people) and Liverpool (C) (2,500 people). The LGAs with the fastest rates of population growth in Sydney were Strathfield (A) and Auburn (A) (both up 2.3%), followed by Canada Bay (A), Holroyd (C) and Sydney (C) (all up 2.0%).

LGAs with largest and fastest population growth, New South Wales
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Blacktown (C)	287 600	5 000	1.8
Bankstown (C)	179 700	2 900	1.7
Sydney (C)	151 900	2 900	2.0
Parramatta (C)	155 100	2 600	1.7
Liverpool (C)	172 100	2 500	1.5
FASTEST GROWTH
Murray (A)	7 000	270	4.1
Palerang (A)	11 800	370	3.2
Berrigan (A)	8 500	240	2.9
Maitland (C)	62 600	1 400	2.3
Strathfield (A)	32 500	730	2.3

POPULATION CHANGE IN THE REMAINDER OF NSW

The Hunter (up 4,500 people) and Illawarra (up 2,800 people) SDs recorded the largest 2005-06 population increases for SDs in the remainder of NSW. The fastest growth rates were recorded in the Murray and South Eastern SDs (both up 1.3%). The Far West SD was the only SD in NSW to experience population decline, with a decrease of 80 people (down 0.3%).

Coastal change

At June 2006 there were 1.35 million people residing in NSW coastal LGAs (LGAs outside the Sydney SD that have boundaries adjoining the sea). These NSW residents represented 19.7% of the state's total population. Combined, these areas experienced a population increase of 10,200 people (or 0.8%) in 2005-06.

All coastal LGAs in NSW experienced population growth between June 2005 and June 2006. The largest increases occurred in Tweed (A) (up 1,300 people), Shoalhaven (C) (1,100 people), and Coffs Harbour (C) and Newcastle (C) (both up 1,000 people). The coastal LGAs with the fastest growth were Richmond Valley (A) (1.9%), Tweed (A) (1.6%), Coffs Harbour (C) (1.5%) and Great Lakes (A), Bega Valley (A) and Shoalhaven (C) (all up 1.2%).

Inland population change

At June 2006 around 1.19 million people lived in inland LGAs (those LGAs not included in the Sydney SD or in coastal NSW). The combined population of these inland LGAs increased by 11,400 people (or 1.0%) between June 2005 and June 2006.

The largest population increases in inland LGAs in 2005-06 occurred in Maitland (C) (up 1,400 people), Wagga Wagga (C) (790 people), Queanbeyan (C) (760 people), and Tamworth Regional (A) (640 people). The inland LGAs of Murray (A) (up 4.1%), Palerang (A) (3.2%), Berrigan (A) (2.9%) and Maitland (C) (2.3%) experienced the fastest growth of all LGAs in New South Wales.

Broken Hill (C) recorded the largest population decline of any LGA in inland NSW, declining by over 60 people. The inland LGAs experiencing the fastest rates of population decline were Bourke (A) (down 0.7%), and Central Darling (A) and Warren (A) (both down 0.6%).

LGAs with largest and fastest population decline, New South Wales
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Campbelltown (C)	149 000	-520	-0.3
Blue Mountains (C)	75 800	-510	-0.7
Sutherland Shire (A)	214 000	-130	-0.1
Broken Hill (C)	20 200	-60	-0.3
Warrumbungle Shire (A)	10 500	-30	-0.3
FASTEST DECLINE
Bourke (A)	3 900	-30	-0.7
Blue Mountains (C)	75 800	-510	-0.7
Central Darling (A)	2 400	-10	-0.6
Warren (A)	3 300	-20	-0.6
Campbelltown (C)	149 000	-520	-0.3

GROWTH IN MELBOURNE

At June 2006 there were an estimated 3.68 million people residing in the Melbourne SD, an increase of 49,000 people or 1.3% since June 2005.

Melbourne SD accounted for 71% of Victoria's population growth between June 2005 and June 2006 and was home to 72% of Victoria's population.

Growth in the outer suburbs

Victoria's largest population growth continued to occur in the outer suburban fringes of the Melbourne SD. Melton (S), located to the north-west of the Melbourne city centre, experienced both the largest and fastest growth of Victorian LGAs, increasing by 6,800 people (8.9%) in 2005-06. Two-thirds of this growth occurred in the SLA of Melton (S) - East, which experienced the largest growth of all SLAs in the state, increasing by 4,500 people (12.5%). This SLA contains the suburbs Caroline Springs, Taylors Hill and Burnside.

The LGA of Wyndham (C) experienced the second largest growth of Victorian LGAs in 2005-06, increasing by 6,700 people (5.7%). Wyndham (C) included the fastest growing SLA in Victoria, Wyndham (C) - South, which grew by 15.4% (2,500 people) during the year to June 2006. This SLA contains the suburbs of Point Cook, Werribee South and Sanctuary Lakes. Wyndham (C) - North and Wyndham (C) - West grew by 3.8% (3,000 people) and 5.5% (1,200 people) respectively.

Other LGAs on the suburban fringes of the Melbourne SD that experienced high annual growth rates include Cardinia (S), which increased by 5.5% (3,100 people), Casey (C) (3.0% or 6,400 people), and Hume (C) (2.6% or 4,000 people).

Growth in the inner city

The LGA of Melbourne (C) continued to grow in 2005-06, increasing by 2,100 people (3.3%), a smaller increase than the average annual growth (5.8%) experienced in the five years since June 2001. Within Melbourne (C), the SLA of Melbourne (C) - Remainder grew by 1,300 people (3.0%), Melbourne (C) - S'bank-D'lands grew by 530 people (4.8%) and Melbourne (C) - Inner grew by a further 280 people (3.2%).

LGAs with largest and fastest population growth, Victoria
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Melton (S)	83 000	6 800	8.9
Wyndham (C)	122 600	6 700	5.7
Casey (C)	223 400	6 400	3.0
Hume (C)	155 800	4 000	2.6
Cardinia (S)	60 300	3 100	5.5
FASTEST GROWTH
Melton (S)	83 000	6 800	8.9
Wyndham (C)	122 600	6 700	5.7
Cardinia (S)	60 300	3 100	5.5
Surf Coast (S)	24 200	1 100	4.8
Melbourne (C)	67 200	2 100	3.3

Local Government Areas

Of Victorian regional centres, the LGA of Greater Geelong (C) experienced the largest increase in population for the year to June 2006, of 2,600 people (1.3%), followed by Greater Bendigo (C) (1,900 people, or 2.0%) and Ballarat (C) (1,700 people, or 1.9%).

The LGA of Surf Coast (S) recorded the fastest population growth in regional Victoria in 2005-06, with an increase of 4.8% (1,100 people). Mansfield (S) and Baw Baw (S) were the second fastest growing LGAs in regional Victoria, both increasing by 2.9% (210 people and 1,100 people respectively).

POPULATION DECLINE

All of the Victorian LGAs that experienced declines in population in 2005-06 were in regional Victoria. The largest and fastest population declines occurred in the Wimmera SD, with the LGA of Northern Grampians (S) declining by 160 people (1.2%), followed by Yarriambiack (S), which declined by 60 people (0.8%). The LGAs that experienced population decline outside the Wimmera SD were Buloke (S) and Southern Grampians (S), which declined by 0.5% and 0.3% respectively.

LGAs with largest and fastest population decline, Victoria
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Northern Grampians (S)	12 500	-160	-1.2
Yarriambiack (S)	7 900	-60	-0.8
Southern Grampians (S)	16 800	-50	-0.3
Buloke (S)	7 000	-40	-0.5
Hindmarsh (S)	6 300	-30	-0.5
FASTEST DECLINE
Northern Grampians (S)	12 500	-160	-1.2
Yarriambiack (S)	7 900	-60	-0.8
Hindmarsh (S)	6 300	-30	-0.5
Buloke (S)	7 000	-40	-0.5
Southern Grampians (S)	16 800	-50	-0.3

SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND

South-east Queensland, comprising the SDs of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and West Moreton, made up two-thirds (66%) of Queensland's total population at June 2006. The south-east's population increased by 50,900 people in 2005-06, accounting for 67% of Queensland's total growth.

Brisbane SD, which experienced the largest growth of all SDs in Queensland, recorded a population increase of 29,500 (1.6%) in 2005-06, reaching a population of 1.82 million (or 45% of Queensland's total population). The fastest growing SD in Queensland was the Gold Coast, which increased by 13,700 people (2.8%) in the same period.

All 17 LGAs in south-east Queensland experienced population growth in the year to June 2006. Among these, seven LGAs experienced growth of 2.5% or higher, with Ipswich (C) recording the fastest growth (up 3.0%), followed by Caloundra (C) (2.9%).

The two most populous LGAs in Queensland, Brisbane (C) and Gold Coast (C), also recorded the largest population increases in the state, growing by 14,000 (1.4%) and 13,600 people (2.8%), respectively.

Brisbane City

Population growth continued to be widespread in Brisbane (C), with almost 80% of SLAs recording an increase in population. The SLA with the largest growth in 2005-06 was Parkinson-Drewvale, which increased by 900 people, followed by Wakerley (up 600 people) and Pallara-Heathwood-Larapinta (up 580 people).

Of the SLAs with a population greater than 2,000, Wakerley recorded the fastest growth in the year to June 2006, increasing by 16.4%, followed by Moggill (up 13.9%) and City - Remainder (up 12.8%).

LGAs with largest and fastest population growth, Queensland
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Brisbane (C)	989 200	14 000	1.4
Gold Coast (C)	497 600	13 600	2.8
Ipswich (C)	145 400	4 200	3.0
Cairns (C)	132 800	4 100	3.2
Pine Rivers (S)	148 500	3 800	2.7
FASTEST GROWTH
Miriam Vale (S)	5 800	310	5.7
Crow's Nest (S)	13 000	670	5.5
Tiaro (S)	5 400	280	5.4
Hervey Bay (C)	54 500	2 500	4.8
Thuringowa (C)	61 700	2 200	3.8

POPULATION GROWTH IN THE REMAINDER OF QUEENSLAND

Eight of the nine SDs outside south-east Queensland increased in population in 2005-06. Of these eight, the fastest growth occurred in Wide Bay-Burnett SD and Mackay SD, which both grew by 2.5%, representing increases of 6,400 and 3,700 people respectively. The Northern SD experienced growth of 2.3%, while the Far North SD grew by 1.9%.

The three fastest growing Queensland LGAs in 2005-06 were located outside south-east Queensland. Miriam Vale (S) (which includes the coastal localities of Agnes Water and the Town of 1770) had the fastest growing population, with an increase of 5.7%. Crows Nest (S), which is adjacent to the city of Toowoomba, was the second fastest growing LGA, increasing in population by 5.5%. The third fastest growing LGA was Tiaro (S), with an increase of 5.4%.

Large increases were recorded in many coastal LGAs outside south-east Queensland in the year to June 2006, with the population of Cairns (C) increasing by 4,100 people, followed by Hervey Bay (C) (up 2,500 people), and Mackay (C) and Townsville (C) (each up by 2,300 people).

DECLINING POPULATIONS

The population of one rural SD, Central West, declined marginally in 2005-06, with a decrease of 100 people (down 0.8%).

The largest LGA population decreases occurred in Johnstone (S) (down 510 people) and Eacham (S) (down 90 people), both of which experienced extensive damage from Tropical Cyclone Larry in March 2006.

Within the Brisbane (C) LGA the fastest decline in population was recorded in the SLA of Wacol (down 5.1%), following a temporary prison closure.

LGAs with largest and fastest population decline, Queensland
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Johnstone (S)	19 200	-510	-2.6
Eacham (S)	6 300	-90	-1.5
Torres (S)	3 800	-70	-1.7
Murweh (S)	5 000	-50	-1.0
Longreach (S)	4 000	-50	-1.2
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Johnstone (S)	19 200	-510	-2.6
Flinders (S)	2 000	-40	-2.0
Paroo (S)	2 100	-40	-1.8
Torres (S)	3 800	-70	-1.7
Eacham (S)	6 300	-90	-1.5
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2005.

POPULATION GROWTH IN ADELAIDE

Adelaide SD

At June 2006 the population of Adelaide SD was 1.14 million people. Adelaide's population increased by 9,700 people (0.9%) in 2005-06, while the remainder of the state increased by 2,900 people (0.7%). Thus, Adelaide SD accounted for 73% of SA's population at June 2006 and 77% of the state's population growth in 2005-06.

The five LGAs with the largest growth in SA in 2005-06 were all in the Adelaide SD. Salisbury (C) experienced the largest growth, increasing by 2,000 people, followed by Onkaparinga (C) (up 1,700 people), Port Adelaide Enfield (C) (1,200 people), Playford (C) (950 people) and Marion (C) (730 people). These are large council areas on the northern and southern fringes of Adelaide SD, in which large residential housing developments are taking place as well as urban infill in older areas.

The fastest growing LGA in SA was Adelaide (C), which grew by 3.0% (450 people) in 2005-06, contributing to an average annual growth rate of 2.9% for the five years to June 2006.

Outer Adelaide SD

The Outer Adelaide SD recorded the fastest increase in population of South Australian SDs in 2005-06, increasing by 1.6% (2,000 people).

Outer Adelaide SD contained four of the top five fastest growing SSDs in South Australia: Fleurieu SSD, in which the population increased by 2.2%; Barossa SSD (up 1.6%); Mt Lofty Ranges SSD (1.2%); and Kangaroo Island SSD (1.0%).

The largest and fastest growing LGA in Outer Adelaide SD was Alexandrina (DC), which increased by 540 people (2.6%) in the 12 months to June 2006. Alexandrina (DC) includes the south coast and hills areas of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Mount Barker (DC), which is in the Mt Lofty Ranges east of Adelaide, had the second-largest population growth in the Outer Adelaide SD, growing by 510 people. Light (RegC), which incorporates part of the Barossa Valley, was the second fastest growing LGA in Outer Adelaide SD, growing by 2.3% (280 people). These three LGAs, along with Victor Harbor (C), which is on the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, have been among the fastest growing LGAs in South Australia for several years, as indicated by their average annual growth rates for the five years to June 2006 all being between 2.3% and 3.1%. No LGAs in the Outer Adelaide SD experienced population decline.

LGAs with largest and fastest population growth, South Australia
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Salisbury (C)	123 300	2 000	1.6
Onkaparinga (C)	156 000	1 700	1.1
Port Adel. Enfield (C)	105 400	1 200	1.1
Playford (C)	72 300	950	1.3
Marion (C)	81 600	730	0.9
FASTEST GROWTH
Adelaide (C)	15 300	450	3.0
Streaky Bay (DC)	2 100	60	2.9
Alexandrina (DC)	20 900	540	2.6
Lower Eyre P'sula (DC)	4 500	110	2.6
Light (RegC)	12 300	280	2.3

Population Decline

While no SDs in South Australia experienced population decline, almost one-third of LGAs did, with most of these being outside the Adelaide and Outer Adelaide SDs. The largest population decreases in the 12 months to June 2006 were experienced in Loxton Waikerie (DC), which decreased by 90 people, and Whyalla (C) (80 people).

LGAs with largest and fastest population decline, South Australia
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Loxton Waikerie (DC)	12 100	-90	-0.7
Whyalla (C)	21 200	-80	-0.4
Ceduna (DC)	3 500	-50	-1.3
Goyder (DC)	4 100	-50	-1.1
Kingston (DC)	2 300	-40	-1.6
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Kingston (DC)	2 300	-40	-1.6
Ceduna (DC)	3 500	-50	-1.3
Goyder (DC)	4 100	-50	-1.1
Coober Pedy (DC)	2 100	-20	-0.9
Northern Areas (DC)	4 600	-30	-0.7
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2005.

PERTH STATISTICAL DIVISION

The Perth SD continued to experience growth, increasing by 2.0% (29,900 people) during 2005-06 to reach a population of 1.5 million people. The Perth SD accounted for 74% of the total WA population at June 2006 and 75% of the state's population growth in 2005-06.

The majority (90%) of LGAs in the Perth SD experienced population growth in 2005-06. Wanneroo (C) recorded the largest increase in WA with 7,900 people. Other LGAs in the Perth SD which experienced large population growth were Rockingham (C) (up by 4,600 people), Swan (C) (2,800), Gosnells (C) and Cockburn (C) (both 2,300). These are all outer suburban areas of the Perth SD.

Within the Perth SD, the LGAs with the fastest population growth in 2005-06 were Perth (C) (up 12.4%), Wanneroo (C) (7.4%), Rockingham (C) (5.4%) and Kwinana (T) (4.4%).

SOUTH WEST STATISTICAL DIVISION

The South West SD was the state’s fastest growing SD in percentage terms in 2005-06 with a growth rate of 3.7% (8,000 people). Population growth was experienced by nearly two-thirds of LGAs in the SD but was generally stronger for those along the coast.

The City of Mandurah, which is the largest population centre in the South West SD and borders the Perth SD, increased by 3,400 people (5.5%) between June 2005 and June 2006. Among the LGAs experiencing the fastest population growth in 2005-06 were Capel (S) (up 9.9%), Dardanup (S) (6.4%), Donnybrook-Balingup (S) (4.9%), Harvey (S) (4.6%) and Busselton (4.0%).

OTHER REGIONS

There were increases in the populations of the Kimberley (up 830 people), Lower Great Southern (810 people), Pilbara (640 people) and Central (250 people) SDs in the 12 months to June 2006. Population declines occurred in the Midlands (down 310 people), Upper Great Southern (220 people) and South Eastern SDs (30 people).

LGAs with largest and fastest population growth, Western Australia
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Wanneroo (C)	115 100	7 900	7.4
Rockingham (C)	89 600	4 600	5.4
Mandurah (C)	65 300	3 400	5.5
Swan (C)	96 200	2 800	3.0
Gosnells (C)	94 700	2 300	2.5
FASTEST GROWTH(a)
Perth (C)	13 400	1 500	12.4
Capel (S)	10 500	900	9.9
Wanneroo (C)	115 100	7 900	7.4
Dardanup (S)	11 100	670	6.4
Halls Creek (S)	4 600	240	5.6
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2005.

DECLINING POPULATIONS

Approximately 40% of LGAs in WA experienced population declines in the year to June 2006. The majority of these were located outside the Perth SD. Esperance (S) and Manjimup (S) recorded the largest declines in population in the state (both down 190 people).

LGAs with largest and fastest population decline, Western Australia
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Esperance (S)	13 100	-190	-1.4
Manjimup (S)	9 600	-190	-2.0
Collie (S)	8 700	-130	-1.4
Northam (T)	6 100	-110	-1.8
Moora (S)	2 500	-110	-4.1
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Moora (S)	2 500	-110	-4.1
Coolgardie (S)	3 700	-80	-2.1
Narrogin (T)	4 300	-90	-2.1
Manjimup (S)	9 600	-190	-2.0
Northam (T)	6 100	-110	-1.8
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2005.

REGIONAL CHANGES

In 2005-06 the population of all four of Tasmania's SDs increased. Greater Hobart gained 2,000 people (or 1.0%), while the Mersey-Lyell SD increased by 540 people (0.5%), Northern SD by 480 (0.3%) and the Southern SD by 270 (0.8%). The Greater Hobart SD accounted for 42% of the total Tasmanian population in June 2006 and 61% of Tasmania's population growth in 2005-06.

Since June 2001, the average annual growth rates for three SDs have been very similar, with Southern SD increasing by 0.9% and Greater Hobart SD and Northern SD both increasing by 0.8%. Mersey-Lyell SD recorded an average annual growth rate of 0.3% over these five years.

LARGEST AND FASTEST GROWTH IN LGAS

About two-thirds of the 29 LGAs in Tasmania increased in population in the year to June 2006. Clarence (C), which is on the eastern shore of Hobart's Derwent River and is the second largest LGA in Tasmania, experienced the largest increase in population of all LGAs in Tasmania, increasing by 520 people or 1.0% in the year to June 2006. Kingborough (M), a fringe urban area just south of Hobart, recorded the second largest increase in population (510 people, or 1.6%) in the same period.

Over the five years since June 2001 Latrobe (M) had the fastest average annual growth rate (2.0%), followed by Break O'Day (M), Glamorgan/Spring Bay (M) and Kingborough (M) (all with 1.8%) and Brighton (M) (1.7%).

LGAs with largest and fastest population growth, Tasmania
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Clarence (C)	51 100	520	1.0
Kingborough (M)	32 100	510	1.6
Sorell (M)	11 800	320	2.8
Central Coast (M)	21 200	300	1.4
Glenorchy (C)	44 900	300	0.7
FASTEST GROWTH
Sorell (M)	11 800	320	2.8
Latrobe (M)	9 100	230	2.6
Brighton (M)	14 000	260	1.9
Kingborough (M)	32 100	510	1.6
Derwent Valley (M)	9 700	150	1.5

Over the five years since June 2001 all Tasmanian cities recorded population growth. The fastest growth was experienced in Launceston (C) with an average annual growth rate of 0.9% over the period. Devonport (C) recorded an average annual growth rate of 0.7%, followed by Clarence (C) and Hobart (C) (both 0.6%), Burnie (C) (0.5%) and Glenorchy (C) (0.4%).

POPULATION LOSSES IN LGAS

Eight LGAs decreased in population in the year to June 2006. The LGA of Devonport (C) experienced the largest population decline in Tasmania in 2005-06 (down 130 people, or 0.5%).

Of LGAs with a population greater than 2,000 at June 2005, Central Highlands (M) experienced the fastest decrease in population, down 1.6% during the year to June 2006. West Coast (M) experienced the fastest average annual rate of decline since June 2001 (down 2.2%), followed by Dorset (M) (0.8%).

LGAs with largest and fastest population decline, Tasmania
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Devonport (C)	25 100	-130	-0.5
Dorset (M)	7 000	-100	-1.5
Circular Head (M)	8 100	-80	-1.0
West Coast (M)	4 900	-80	-1.5
Central Highlands (M)	2 300	-40	-1.6
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Central Highlands (M)	2 300	-40	-1.6
West Coast (M)	4 900	-80	-1.5
Dorset (M)	7 000	-100	-1.5
Circular Head (M)	8 100	-80	-1.0
Devonport (C)	25 100	-130	-0.5
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2005.

DARWIN STATISTICAL DIVISION

At June 2006, 55% (114,000 people) of the Northern Territory's population resided in the Darwin SD. The annual growth rate for the Darwin SD was 2.5%, representing an increase of 2,800 people during 2005-06, and 85% of the Northern Territory's population growth for the year.

Within the Darwin SD, the population of the Darwin City SSD increased by 1,100 people (1.6%) in 2005-06. Within the Darwin City SSD, the largest increases in population at the SLA level were recorded in Bayview-Woolner (330 people) and City - Inner (160 people), due mainly to continued residential development.

The remaining two SSDs within the Darwin SD, Palmerston-East Arm and Litchfield Shire, also experienced continued population growth during 2005-06. The population of Palmerston-East Arm SSD increased by 4.8% with the fastest increases occurring within the SLAs of Palmerston (C) Bal (which includes the suburbs of Farrar, Rosebery and Marlow Lagoon), up 26.2%, and Durack (9.1%). The population of the Litchfield Shire SSD increased by 2.9%, with almost all population growth taking place within the SLA of Litchfield (S) - Pt B (which includes Humpty Doo and Howard Springs).

NORTHERN TERRITORY - BALANCE STATISTICAL DIVISION

The population of the Northern Territory - Balance SD at June 2006 was 92,700 people, an increase of 0.6% since June 2005.

Almost all of the SSDs within the Northern Territory - Balance SD experienced increases in population in 2005-06. Bathurst Melville SSD recorded the fastest growth rate (at 1.8%), followed by Alligator SSD (1.7%). Central NT SSD recorded the largest increase (170 people).

SLAs with largest population growth and decline, Northern Territory(a)
	ERP AT 30 JUN	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
SLA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Palmerston (C) Bal	2 600	530	26.2
Litchfield (S) - Pt B	15 400	440	2.9
Bayview-Woolner	1 900	330	20.2
Durack	2 900	240	9.1
LARGEST DECLINE
East Arm	410	-80	-15.6
Alice Springs (T) - Ross	7 800	-30	-0.4
Victoria	960	-30	-2.5
Alice Springs (T) - Stuart	2 300	-20	-0.9
(a) See paragraphs 25 to 30 of the Explanatory Notes for more details.

Statistical Subdivisions

Gungahlin-Hall SSD recorded the largest growth in 2005-06, up 1,900 people (6.4%). South Canberra SSD increased by 810 people (3.4%), followed by North Canberra SSD which increased by 670 people (1.6%). Woden Valley SSD recorded little change, while Belconnen SSD decreased by 170 people, Tuggeranong SSD by 130 people and Weston Creek-Stromlo SSD by 120 people.

POPULATION GROWTH

Growing SLAs

In 2005-06 population growth continued in areas on the suburban fringes of Canberra and in a number of inner city SLAs. There were also pockets of growth in both the North and South Canberra SSDs.

On the northern edge of Canberra, Gungahlin recorded the largest increase in population of SLAs in the ACT in 2005-06, up 820 people. The nearby SLA of Ngunnawal increased by 660 people and the new suburb of Harrison increased by 310 people. Dunlop, on the north-western fringe of Belconnen SSD, increased by 300 people, while in Tuggeranong SSD on the southern edge of Canberra, Greenway and Conder increased by 200 and 170 people respectively.

In Canberra’s inner north the SLA of Braddon increased by 590 people, while Turner increased by 220 people. In Canberra's inner south Kingston increased by 670 people.

Growth in the surrounding region

Population growth in NSW LGAs adjacent to the ACT continued in 2005-06, in part due to their proximity to Canberra. The LGA of Queanbeyan (C) increased by 760 people, Palerang (A) increased by 370 people and Yass Valley (A) increased by 170 people.

POPULATION DECREASES

More than half of the SLAs in the ACT experienced decreases in population in 2005-06. The largest decrease was recorded in Kambah (down 170 people), followed by Campbell (120 people) and Kaleen (100 people).

SLAs with largest population growth and decline, Australian Capital Territory
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	Population Change
	2006p	2005-2006p
SLA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Gungahlin	3 400	820	31.9
Kingston	2 800	670	30.8
Ngunnawal	9 400	660	7.5
Braddon	4 300	590	16.0
Harrison(a)	400	310	401.3
LARGEST DECLINE
Kambah	15 900	-170	-1.1
Campbell	3 100	-120	-3.6
Kaleen	7 800	-100	-1.3
Florey	5 300	-90	-1.7
Charnwood	3 100	-90	-2.9
(a) The high percentage increase for Harrison in 2005-06 (401.3%) is due to the small June 2005 population (80 people) used as the denominator in calculating this increase.