1307.8 - Australian Capital Territory in Focus, 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 11/11/2003   
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Canberrans lead the nation in thinking green


Canberrans lead the nation in awareness of green-power schemes according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Almost half (46%) indicated an awareness of green-power schemes compared to approximately one-quarter (24%) nationally in 2002.

The ACT had 4,400 homes, or 4% of all households connected to green-power in 2002, compared to 3% nationally.

The latest edition of ACT in Focus 2003 provides a detailed statistical review of important and interesting aspects of life in the ACT. It includes information on the environment, government, economy, people, education, labour market, business, housing, tourism, the Australian Capital Region and more. The 2003 edition also includes a feature article on Bushfires in the ACT past and present.

Highlights include:
  • Canberra enjoyed an average of 8.4 hours of sunshine per day in 2002, the highest average on record. The long-term average was 7.5 hrs. February 2002 was the only month to record below average sunshine with 7.6 hours per day compared to an average of 9.1.
  • Births in the ACT were on the rise again in 2002, with a 9% increase or 4,145 births registered to mothers usually resident in the ACT. This increase followed a record low 2001 - the lowest recorded since 1970.
  • Canberrans live longer, leading the nation for life expectancy at birth, with 78.5 years for males and 82.9 years for females.
  • During 2000-01 to 2001-02 total water consumption in the ACT increased by 5% and water consumption per capita increased 4%.
  • ACT businesses are more Internet savvy, leading the nation in Internet access and web presence. At June 2002 83% of businesses in the ACT had Internet access and 28% had a web presence.
  • During 2000-01 the ACT hosted 4,216 business events, earning $24.2 million.
  • Since 1999, Canberra has had the second highest increase in house prices of all capital cities, behind Brisbane. Moving annual median house prices in Canberra have increased 45% in the three years from 1999 to 2002 ($161,500 to $234,200 ).

Further details are in ACT in Focus, 2003 (cat. no. 1307.8), a must for those who want topical and relevant facts about the ACT and surrounding area at their fingertips.