• Summary
• Downloads
• Explanatory Notes
• Related Information
• Past Releases

POPULATION CHANGE, STATES AND TERRITORIES


NEW SOUTH WALES
VICTORIA
QUEENSLAND
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
TASMANIA
NORTHERN TERRITORY
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY


NEW SOUTH WALES


STATE SUMMARY

At June 2007 the estimated resident population of New South Wales (NSW) was 6.89 million people, an increase of 71,900 people since June 2006. The 2006-07 growth rate of 1.1% was higher than the average annual growth rate of 0.8% for the five years to June 2007 and was the highest growth rate in NSW since 2000-01.

POPULATION CHANGE IN THE SYDNEY SD

At June 2007, 63% (4.34 million people) of NSW's population resided in the Sydney SD. The 2006-07 annual growth rate for the Sydney SD was 1.2%, representing an increase of around 52,000 people.

All of Sydney's 43 LGAs grew between June 2006 and June 2007. The Sydney SD also contained the five LGAs with the largest growth in NSW for 2006-07. As in 2005-06, Blacktown (C) in western Sydney had the largest increase in the state at 4,900 people. This was followed by the inner-city LGA of Sydney (C) (4,100 people) and the LGAs of Parramatta (C) (3,600 people), Auburn (A) (2,900 people) and Bankstown (C) (2,800 people) in central and south-west Sydney. Four LGAs recorded growth of less than 200 people. These were Blue Mountains (C), Lane Cove (A), Hawkesbury (C) and Hunters Hill (A).

Twenty-four LGAs in Sydney recorded a 2006-07 growth rate higher than the NSW rate of 1.1%. These included Auburn (A) which, at 4.2%, recorded the state's fastest growth for 2006-07. Another six LGAs experienced annual growth rates above 2.0%. These were Strathfield (A) (2.9%), Canada Bay (A) (2.5%), Parramatta (C) (2.3%) and Holroyd (C) (2.2%) in the inner and central west of Sydney, the inner-city LGA of Sydney (C) (2.5%) and the outer-south-west Sydney LGA of Camden (A) (2.3%). Growth of less than 0.5% was recorded in Blue Mountains (C), Campbelltown (C), Gosford (C), Hawkesbury (C) and Lane Cove (A).

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION GROWTH, New South Wales
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Blacktown (C)	284 700	4 900	1.8
Sydney (C)	168 700	4 100	2.5
Parramatta (C)	157 800	3 600	2.3
Auburn (A)	71 000	2 900	4.2
Bankstown (C)	179 700	2 800	1.6
FASTEST GROWTH
Auburn (A)	71 000	2 900	4.2
Palerang (A)	13 400	510	3.9
Murray (A)	6 900	240	3.6
Strathfield (A)	34 600	990	2.9
Maitland (C)	66 500	1 700	2.7

Two SDs recorded population declines in 2006-07. These were the North Western (down 330 people or 0.3%) and the Far West (down 90 people or 0.4%) SDs.

Coastal change

NSW has 21 LGAs outside the Sydney SD that have boundaries adjoining the sea. At June 2007 around 20% of the state's population (1.36 million people) lived in these coastal LGAs. These areas experienced a combined population increase of 12,900 people (or 1.0%) between June 2006 and June 2007.

As in previous years, NSW coastal LGAs continued to have population growth in 2006-07. The largest population increase occurred in the north coast LGA of Tweed (A) (up 1,400 people). Other coastal LGAs experiencing large increases were Newcastle (C) and Port Stephens (A) in the Hunter SD (both up 1,300 people) and Wollongong (C) in the Illawarra SD (up 1,200 people).

Seven coastal LGAs had growth rates higher than the state average of 1.1%. The coastal LGAs with the fastest growth were Port Stephens (A) (up 2.0%) in the Hunter region, Ballina (A) and Tweed (A) (both up 1.7%) on the far north coast, Coffs Harbour (C) and Port Macquarie-Hastings (A) (both up 1.4%) on the mid-north coast and Shellharbour (C) (up 1.4%) south of Wollongong.

Inland population change

At June 2007 around 1.19 million people lived in inland LGAs (those LGAs not included in the Sydney SD or in coastal NSW) in NSW, making up 17% of the state's total population. The combined population of these inland LGAs increased by 7,000 people (or 0.6%) between June 2006 and June 2007.

The largest population increase for an inland LGA in 2006-07 occurred in Maitland (C) (up 1,700 people) in the Hunter region. Other LGAs with large population increases included the regional cities of Wagga Wagga (C) (up 950 people), Queanbeyan (C) and Albury (C) (both up 700 people) and Cessnock (C) (up 720 people) in the Hunter region.

Of the 88 inland LGAs in NSW, 11 had growth rates higher than the 1.1% recorded for the whole of NSW. The fastest-growing LGAs in inland NSW included Palerang (A) (up 3.9%) and Yass Valley (A) (2.7%), both of which adjoin the Australian Capital Territory. Murray (A) up 3.6%) and Snowy River (A) (2.3%) in southern NSW, and Maitland (C) (2.7%) in the Hunter SD, also grew rapidly.

Indicating the continuing impacts of drought in NSW, the largest population decreases for any LGAs in NSW were recorded in Moree Plains (A) (down 280 people) and Narrabri (A) (180 people)in the north-west and Wellington (A) (160 people)in the central-west of the state. Similarly, population declines of over 2% were recorded in Bourke (A), Brewarrina (A) and Warren (A) in the north-west and Wakool (A) in south western NSW.

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION DECLINE, New South Wales
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Moree Plains (A)	14 300	-280	-1.9
Narrabri (A)	13 500	-180	-1.3
Wellington (A)	8 300	-160	-1.9
Bourke (A)	3 100	-130	-3.9
Walgett (A)	7 100	-120	-1.7
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Bourke (A)	3 100	-130	-3.9
Wakool (A)	4 400	-110	-2.5
Warren (A)	2 800	-60	-2.1
Boorowa (A)	2 300	-50	-2.0
Gwydir (A)	5 400	-110	-2.0
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2006.

GROWTH IN MELBOURNE

At June 2007 there were an estimated 3.81 million people residing in the Melbourne SD, an increase of 61,700 people or 1.6% since June 2006. Melbourne SD experienced the largest growth of all Australian capital city SDs for the year to June 2007.

Melbourne SD accounted for 80% of Victoria's population growth between June 2006 and June 2007, and is home to 73% 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. Wyndham (C), located to the south-west of Melbourne's city centre, experienced the largest growth of Victorian LGAs, increasing by 7,200 people in 2006-07. Almost half (46%) of this growth occurred in the SLA of Wyndham (C) - North. The LGA of Casey (C) experienced the second largest growth of Victorian LGAs, increasing by 6,800 people, followed by Melton (S), which increased by 4,700.

Wyndham (C) also experienced the fastest growth of all Victorian LGAs, increasing by 6.2% in 2006-07. The SLA of Wyndham (C) - South, which accounted for 38% of the growth in the LGA, experienced the fastest growth of all SLAs in the state, increasing by 16.4%. Other LGAs on the suburban fringes that experienced fast annual growth include Melton (S), increasing by 5.8%, Cardinia (S) (3.7%), and Whittlesea (C) (2.8%).

Growth in the inner city

The LGA of Melbourne (C) had the fourth largest growth of all LGAs in Victoria in 2006-07 (4,500 people). While the City continued to experience fast growth, the annual growth rate of 5.8% (the second-fastest rate of all Victorian LGAs) was lower than the average annual rate of 7.8% for the five years to June 2007. Within Melbourne (C), the SLA of Melbourne (C) - Remainder grew by 2,300 people (4.7%) in 2006-07, Melbourne (C) - Southbank-Docklands grew by 1,400 people (9.5%) and Melbourne (C) - Inner grew by 790 people (6.2%).

GROWTH IN REGIONAL VICTORIA

Statistical Divisions

In the year to June 2007, the population of the balance of Victoria increased by 15,200 people (1.1%) to 1.4 million people. During this period, all SDs experienced population growth. The fastest growth occurred in the SDs of Barwon (1.3% or 3,600 people) and Gippsland (1.3% or 2,100 people). Loddon SD and East Gippsland SD both increased by 1.2% (2,100 and 1,000 respectively), while Wimmera SD experienced a shift in the direction of population change, with a slight increase (30 people) for the first time since 1998-99.

Local Government Areas

Within regional Victoria, the LGA of Greater Geelong (C) experienced the largest increase in population for the year to June 2007, up 2,500 people, followed by Greater Bendigo (C) (1,600 people) and Ballarat (C) (1,200 people).

The fastest population growth in regional Victoria during 2006-07 occurred in Surf Coast (S) with an increase of 3.2% (720 people). Mitchell (S) was the second fastest-growing LGA in regional Victoria, increasing by 2.2% (720 people), followed by Bass Coast (S) with 2.0% growth (560 people).

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION GROWTH, Victoria
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Wyndham (C)	123 200	7 200	6.2
Casey (C)	229 100	6 800	3.1
Melton (S)	85 600	4 700	5.8
Melbourne (C)	81 100	4 500	5.8
Whittlesea (C)	133 200	3 600	2.8
FASTEST GROWTH
Wyndham (C)	123 200	7 200	6.2
Melbourne (C)	81 100	4 500	5.8
Melton (S)	85 600	4 700	5.8
Cardinia (S)	60 800	2 200	3.7
Surf Coast (S)	23 500	720	3.2

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION DECLINE, Victoria
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Yarriambiack (S)	7 700	-80	-1.1
Hindmarsh (S)	6 200	-50	-0.7
Buloke (S)	7 000	-40	-0.6
West Wimmera (S)	4 600	-40	-0.8
Gannawarra (S)	11 600	-30	-0.3
FASTEST DECLINE
Yarriambiack (S)	7 700	-80	-1.1
West Wimmera (S)	4 600	-40	-0.8
Hindmarsh (S)	6 200	-50	-0.7
Buloke (S)	7 000	-40	-0.6
Gannawarra (S)	11 600	-30	-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 2007. The south-east's population increased by 64,200 people in 2006-07, accounting for 71% of Queensland's total growth.

Brisbane SD, which experienced the largest growth of all SDs in Queensland, recorded an increase of 37,200 people (2.0%) in 2006-07, to reach a population of 1,860,000 (or 44% of Queensland's total population). The fastest-growing SD in Queensland was the Gold Coast, which increased by 17,500 people (3.4%) in the same period.

The Statistical Districts of Gold Coast-Tweed (QLD/NSW) and Sunshine Coast (Qld) recorded the largest and third-largest growth of all Statistical Districts in Australia, with respective increases of 18,400 (3.3%) and 6,300 people (2.8%).

The two most populous LGAs in Australia, Brisbane (C) and Gold Coast (C), also recorded the largest population increases of all LGAs. Gold Coast (C) had the largest increase, up 17,200 people (3.4%), while Brisbane (C) passed the million mark to reach a population of 1,010,000, with an increase of 15,700 people (1.6%).

All of the 17 LGAs in south-east Queensland experienced population growth in the year to June 2007. Among these, seven LGAs experienced growth of 3% or more, with Pine Rivers (S) recording the fastest growth, at 3.7% (or 5,400 people). Nearly two-fifths of the growth of Pine Rivers (S) was accounted for by the SLA of Griffin Mango-Hill (up 20.2%) which, due to developing housing estates, was one of the fastest-growing SLAs in Australia.

The LGA of Ipswich (C) recorded the second fastest growth (3.5%) in south-east Queensland, within which the SLA of Ipswich (C) - East had the largest population growth in Queensland, up 3,700 people (or 7.2%), and the third-largest population growth of all SLAs in Australia.

Brisbane City

Population growth continued to be widespread in Brisbane (C), with three-quarters of SLAs recording an increase in population. As in 2005-06, the SLAs with the largest and second-largest growth in the year to June 2007 were Parkinson-Drewvale and Wakerley, which increased by 930 and 870 people respectively. Adjacent to Parkinson-Drewvale, the SLA of Calamvale reported the third-largest growth, with a population increase of 630. All three of these SLAs are in the Southeast Outer Brisbane SSD.

Of the SLAs with a population greater than 2,000 at June 2006, Wakerley and City - Inner recorded the fastest and second-fastest growth of all Australian SLAs during 2006-07, increasing by 22.0% and 21.2% respectively.

Gold Coast City

In the year to June 2007, all but four of the 40 Gold Coast (C) SLAs recorded population growth, with seven SLAs increasing by more than 1,000 people, owing to new and/or expanding housing estates. The SLA of Kingsholme-Upper Coomera continued to have the largest growth, with an increase of 2,700 people, followed by Ormeau-Yatala and Varsity Lakes, which increased by 1,400 and 1,100 people respectively.

POPULATION GROWTH IN THE REMAINDER OF QUEENSLAND

Seven of the nine SDs outside south-east Queensland increased in population in the year to June 2007, with four growing by 2% or greater. The fastest growth occurred in Far North SD, which grew by 2.5%, representing an increase of 6,100 people.

The Statistical District of Hervey Bay recorded the fastest growth rate in the year to June 2007 (4.9%). Although this was lower than its 5.5% average annual growth from June 2002 to June 2007, it remained the fastest-growing Statistical District in Australia.

Many coastal LGAs outside south-east Queensland experienced large population increases in the year to June 2007. Of these, Cairns (C) had the largest growth, with an increase of 4,400 people, followed by the cities of Thuringowa (C) (adjacent to Townsville) and Hervey Bay (C), both of which increased by 2,800 people.

Of the LGAs with a population greater than 2,000 at June 2006, the eight fastest-growing were outside south-east Queensland. The mining town of Weipa (T) had the fastest-growing population, increasing by 6.4%, followed by Fitzroy (S) (up 5.2%), which is adjacent to Rockhampton. Adjoining Toowoomba (C), the LGAs of Crow's Nest (S) and Cambooya (S) each recorded growth of 5.1%.

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION GROWTH, Queensland
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Gold Coast (C)	524 700	17 200	3.4
Brisbane (C)	1 007 900	15 700	1.6
Pine Rivers (S)	150 300	5 400	3.7
Ipswich (C)	148 700	5 100	3.5
Maroochy (S)	157 200	4 600	3.0
FASTEST GROWTH(a)
Weipa (T)	3 200	190	6.4
Fitzroy (S)	11 800	580	5.2
Crow's Nest (S)	14 000	680	5.1
Cambooya (S)	6 500	310	5.1
Hervey Bay (C)	57 900	2 800	5.0
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2006.

DECLINING POPULATIONS

The trend of population decline in western areas continued in 2006-07, with the SDs of South West and Central West showing respective decreases of 250 and 170 people. Both of these SDs were severely drought-affected during the period.

In the year to June 2007, one quarter of Queensland's LGAs recorded population decline. The largest population decreases occurred in the central Queensland LGAs of Banana (S) and Duaringa (S), which declined by 190 and 170 people respectively.

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION DECLINE, Queensland
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Banana (S)	14 000	-190	-1.3
Duaringa (S)	7 000	-170	-2.3
Murweh (S)	4 800	-80	-1.7
Monto (S)	2 500	-70	-2.7
Taroom (S)	2 500	-70	-2.6
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Monto (S)	2 500	-70	-2.7
Paroo (S)	2 000	-50	-2.6
Taroom (S)	2 500	-70	-2.6
Duaringa (S)	7 000	-170	-2.3
Murweh (S)	4 800	-80	-1.7
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2006.

POPULATION GROWTH IN ADELAIDE

Adelaide SD

The population of Adelaide SD was 1.16 million people at June 2007, accounting for 73% of the state's population. The Adelaide SD increased by 12,100 people (1.1%) in 2006-07, while the remainder of SA increased by 4,200 (1.0%). The growth in Adelaide SD therefore represents 74% of the state's total population growth in 2006-07.

During 2006-07, the five LGAs with the largest growth in the state were all in the Adelaide SD. The largest increase was in Salisbury (C), in Adelaide's north, which increased by 2,700 people, followed by the neighbouring Port Adelaide Enfield (C), up 1,600 people. LGAs on the fringes of the Adelaide SD, namely Onkaparinga (S) in the south and Playford (C) in the north, increased by 1,500 and 1,300 people respectively, while inner-city Adelaide (C) grew by 850 people. These regions include some large residential developments, while urban infill is taking place in some of the older areas.

Adelaide (C) was the fastest growing LGA in the state in 2006-07, with an increase of 4.8%. The northern Adelaide LGAs of Gawler (T) and Salisbury (C) both increased by 2.2%.

Outer Adelaide SD

In 2006-07, the Outer Adelaide SD experienced the fastest increase in population of all South Australian SDs, increasing by 2.0% (2,500 people).

Many LGAs within Outer Adelaide SD recorded rapid growth during 2006-07. Yankalilla (DC) and Victor Harbor (C) experienced the fastest increases, both growing by 2.6%. Other Outer Adelaide LGAs to record fast growth were Light (RegC), to the north of Adelaide, Alexandrina (DC), which includes the south coast and hills area of the Fleurieu Peninsula, and Mount Barker (DC) - all of these areas increased by 2.4%. These five LGAs have been among the fastest growing LGAs in the state for several years, as indicated by their average annual growth rates, ranging from 2.3% to 3.8% over the five years to June 2007.

The largest growth for LGAs within Outer Adelaide SD in 2006-07 was recorded in Mount Barker (DC), which increased by 660 people. Alexandrina (DC) and Barossa (DC) also experienced large growth, increasing by 520 and 400 people respectively. 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
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Salisbury (C)	124 800	2 700	2.2
Port Adelaide Enfield (C)	108 000	1 600	1.5
Onkaparinga (C)	155 900	1 500	1.0
Playford (C)	73 200	1 300	1.8
Adelaide (C)	18 600	850	4.8
FASTEST GROWTH
Adelaide (C)	18 600	850	4.8
Copper Coast (DC)	12 200	350	2.9
Yankalilla (DC)	4 400	110	2.6
Grant (DC)	8 400	210	2.6
Victor Harbor (C)	12 800	320	2.6

The largest growth in the remainder of the state during 2006-07 tended to be in coastal LGAs (those LGAs with a coast boundary, outside the capital city SD), with Copper Coast (DC) experiencing the largest growth, up 350 people. Other LGAs along the coast to experience relatively large growth were Whyalla (C) and Grant (DC), with increases of 280 and 210 people respectively. The growth in Whyalla (C) - its largest annual population increase for more than 30 years - may reflect growth in resources sector activity in surrounding areas, while the increase in Grant (DC) is partly due to its proximity to Mount Gambier (C). The riverside LGA of Murray Bridge (RC), located just east of the Outer Adelaide SD, also recorded relatively large growth, increasing by 230 people.

Population decline

The majority of LGAs to experience population decline in 2006-07 were outside the Adelaide and Outer Adelaide SDs. The largest declines were recorded in Port Augusta (C) and Naracoorte and Lucindale (DC), both declining by 50 people during 2006-07. The decline in the otherwise-growing Port Augusta (C) was due to the closure of an immigrant detention centre during 2006-07. The LGA of Le Hunte (DC) recorded a decline of 40 people, while Coober Pedy (DC) and The Coorong (DC) both declined by 30 people.

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION DECLINE, South Australia
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Port Augusta (C)	14 200	-50	-0.3
Naracoorte and Lucindale (DC)	8 400	-50	-0.5
Le Hunte (DC)	1 300	-40	-2.8
Coober Pedy (DC)	2 000	-30	-1.7
The Coorong (DC)	5 800	-30	-0.5
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Goyder (DC)	4 300	-30	-0.6
Naracoorte and Lucindale (DC)	8 400	-50	-0.5
The Coorong (DC)	5 800	-30	-0.5
Port Augusta (C)	14 200	-50	-0.3
Tatiara (DC)	7 200	-20	-0.3
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2006.

PERTH SD

The Perth SD experienced the state’s largest growth, increasing by 35,300 people (2.3%) in 2006-07 to reach 1,555,000 people. In June 2007, 74% of WA's population resided in the Perth SD. In addition, three quarters of the State's total population growth occurred in this SD in 2006-07.

Within the Perth SD, most LGAs (90%) experienced population growth in 2006-07. Wanneroo (C) had the largest increase with 9,400 additional people. Other LGAs in the Perth SD that experienced large population increases included Rockingham (C) (up by 4,200 people), Stirling (C) (3,400), Swan (C) (3,300) and Cockburn (C) (2,700). Of these high-growth areas, Stirling and Swan lie within the Perth metropolitan area, while Cockburn and Rockingham are south of Perth, adjacent to the coast.

In the Perth SD, the LGAs which grew fastest in 2006-07 were Perth (C) (up by 9.1%), Wanneroo (C) (8.1%), Serpentine-Jarrahdale (S) (6.0%) and Rockingham (C) (4.8%).

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION GROWTH, Western Australia
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Wanneroo (C)	124 900	9 400	8.1
Rockingham (C)	91 700	4 200	4.8
Stirling (C)	189 100	3 400	1.8
Swan (C)	100 600	3 300	3.4
Cockburn (C)	80 900	2 700	3.5
FASTEST GROWTH(a)
Ravensthorpe (S)	2 200	220	10.8
Perth (C)	13 500	1 100	9.1
Wanneroo (C)	124 900	9 400	8.1
Serpentine-Jarrahdale (S)	14 200	800	6.0
Dardanup (S)	11 400	640	5.9
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2006.

REGIONS

The Kimberley SD was the state’s fastest-growing SD, increasing by 3.8% (1,300 people) in 2006-07. All Kimberley LGAs experienced population growth, led by Broome (S), which grew by 5.7% (820 people).

Of the nine SDs in WA, eight experienced population growth in 2006-07. The exception was Upper Great Southern SD, where net population remained constant. South West SD grew by 2.9% (6,300 people), South Eastern SD was up 2.3% (1,300) and Pilbara SD increased by 2.1% (940). The strong growth in the Kimberley, Pilbara and South Eastern SDs can be partly attributed to development associated with the expansion of the resources sector in these areas.

The population declined in a quarter of LGAs in WA during 2006-07. Of LGAs with declining populations, most (28 of 37) already had populations below 2000, and nearly all (34 of 37) were in regional WA.

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION DECLINE, Western Australia
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Joondalup (C)	157 200	-170	-0.1
Carnarvon (S)	6 100	-70	-1.2
Mullewa (S)	1 000	-60	-6.0
Coorow (S)	1 200	-60	-4.8
Kojonup (S)	2 200	-60	-2.6
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Kojonup (S)	2 200	-60	-2.6
Moora (S)	2 600	-40	-1.6
Carnarvon (S)	6 100	-70	-1.2
Katanning (S)	4 500	-30	-0.6
Ashburton (S)	6 500	-30	-0.5
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2006.

REGIONAL VARIATIONS

While the population of all Tasmanian SDs grew in 2006-07, Greater Hobart SD was the only SD to increase its share of the state's population, changing slightly from 42.0% to 42.1%. Southern SD maintained its 7.4% share as did Northern SD with its 28.3% share. Mersey-Lyell SD decreased its share from 22.4% to 22.3%. Southern SD has maintained or increased its share of Tasmania's population every year since 2002, while Mersey-Lyell SD has had a decreasing share every year since 2002.

The two largest Tasmanian urban regions of Greater Hobart SD and the Greater Launceston SSD increased their share of the state's population. This continued a longer-term trend of an increasing share of population in these two major urban regions of Tasmania.

MUNICIPAL GROWTH

Brighton (M) (3.2%), Sorell (M) (2.4%) and Latrobe (M) (2.1%) were again the three fastest-growing LGAs in the year to June 2007, as they were in the year to June 2006. Brighton (M) and Sorell (M) both have large, economical land subdivisions and are within commuting distance of Hobart (C). The majority of growth in the Latrobe municipality, which is on the north coast of Tasmania, occurred in the Latrobe urban centre and the Port Sorell area.

Largest growth was seen in LGAs predominantly located in the Greater Hobart-Southern region, with Kingborough (M) (up 520 people), Brighton (M) (460), Clarence (C) (370) and Sorell (M) (300) among the top five. These LGAs are all within commuting distance of Hobart (C), the administrative centre for the State.

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION GROWTH, Tasmania
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Kingborough (M)	32 200	520	1.6
Brighton (M)	14 800	460	3.2
Clarence (C)	51 200	370	0.7
Launceston (C)	64 900	310	0.5
Sorell (M)	12 400	300	2.4
FASTEST GROWTH
Brighton (M)	14 800	460	3.2
Sorell (M)	12 400	300	2.4
Latrobe (M)	9 100	180	2.1
Kingborough (M)	32 200	520	1.6
Kentish (M)	6 100	90	1.5

LGAs WITH LARGEST AND FASTEST POPULATION DECLINE, Tasmania
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
LGA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST DECLINE
Northern Midlands (M)	12 500	-20	-0.2
West Coast (M)	5 100	-20	-0.4
Tasman (M)	2 300	-20	-0.7
FASTEST DECLINE(a)
Tasman (M)	2 300	-20	-0.7
West Coast (M)	5 100	-20	-0.4
Northern Midlands (M)	12 500	-20	-0.2
(a) Excludes LGAs with a population of less than 2,000 at June 2006.

DARWIN

At June 2007 the population of Darwin SD was 117,400 people, an increase of 3,000 people since June 2006. Darwin SD accounted for 55% of the NT's population at June 2007 and 70% of its population growth in 2006-07.

All three Statistical Subdivisions (SSDs) within Darwin SD experienced population growth between June 2006 and June 2007. Palmerston-East Arm SSD grew by 5.0%, Litchfield Shire SSD by 4.9% and Darwin City SSD by 1.3%.

The population of Darwin City SSD at June 2007 was 72,900 people, an increase of 920 people since June 2006. The majority of SLAs in Darwin City SSD experienced population growth in 2006-07. Bayview-Woolner (7.6%) and City - Inner (5.1%) recorded the fastest growth during this period which was mainly due to continued residential development.

Palmerston-East Arm and Litchfield Shire SSDs recorded the fastest increases in population of all SSDs in the NT in the year ending June 2007. Palmerston-East Arm SSD increased by 1,300 people with the fastest increases occurring within the SLAs of Palmerston (C) Bal (16.5%), which includes the suburbs of Farrar, Rosebery and Marlow Lagoon, and Gunn-Palmerston City (7.5%). Litchfield Shire SSD increased by 800 people, with almost all of the population growth taking place within the SLA of Litchfield (S) - Pt B, which includes Howard Springs and Humpty Doo.

REMAINDER OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

The population of Northern Territory - Bal SD at June 2007 was 97,600 people, an increase of 1.3% since June 2006.

All SSDs within Northern Territory - Bal SD experienced increases in population in the 12 months to June 2007. Daly SSD recorded the fastest growth (2.4%), followed by Bathurst-Melville SSD (2.1%) and Barkly SSD (2.0%).

Almost all of the SLAs in Northern Territory - Bal SD increased in population in 2006-07. The fastest growth occurred in Tennant Creek (T) (2.9%), followed by Thamarrurr (CGC) (2.7%) and Sandover (2.5%).

In contrast to the population declines recorded between June 2005 and June 2006, the populations of Alice Springs (T) and Katherine (T) increased slightly by 0.4% and 1.1% respectively in the 12 months to June 2007.

SLAs WITH LARGEST POPULATION GROWTH AND DECLINE, Northern Territory
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
SLA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Litchfield (S) - Pt B	15 900	660	4.3
Palmerston (C) Bal	3 500	490	16.5
Durack	3 000	200	7.0
Gunn-Palmerston City	2 700	190	7.5
LARGEST DECLINE
Alice Springs (T) - Stuart	2 100	-80	-3.7
Alawa	2 300	-30	-1.3
City - Remainder	2 400	-30	-1.2
Jingili	2 000	-20	-0.8

STATISTICAL SUBDIVISIONS

The outer northern SSD of Gungahlin-Hall recorded the largest growth in 2006-07, up 2,300 people (7.1%). Belconnen SSD increased by 1,400 people (1.6%) followed by North Canberra SSD which increased by 1,200 people (2.7%). The populations of the southern SSDs of the Woden Valley (up 60 people) and Tuggeranong (down 10 people) have changed little since June 2006.

POPULATION GROWTH

SLA growth in the ACT

In 2006-07 population growth was largest in the northern suburban fringes of Canberra and a number of inner city SLAs. There were also pockets of above-average growth in both the North and South Canberra SSDs.

On the northern edge of Canberra, Harrison recorded the largest increase in population of the SLAs in the ACT in 2006-07, up 870 people. The nearby SLAs of Gungahlin and Amaroo also recorded large increases with 770 and 440 people respectively. Dunlop on the north-western fringe of Belconnen SSD, increased by 520 people while Bruce and Turner to the inner north of Canberra increased by 350 and 230 people respectively. Canberra's inner south also increased marginally, with the largest growth in the SLA of Kingston, which increased by 230 people.

Growth in the surrounding region

Population growth in the LGAs of NSW on the ACT borders closest to Canberra continued in 2006-07. The LGA of Queanbeyan (C) increased by 710 people, Palerang (A) increased by 510 people and Yass Valley (A) increased by 370 people.

POPULATION DECREASES

While most SLAs in the ACT experienced population increases in 2006-07, small population decreases where recorded in more than a quarter of ACT's SLAs. The largest population decreases were in the outer southern SLAs of Monash, with a decrease of 80 people, and Chisholm, with a decrease of 60 people.

SLAs WITH LARGEST POPULATION GROWTH AND DECLINE, Australian Capital Territory
	ERP AT 30 JUNE	POPULATION CHANGE
	2007p	2006-2007p
SLA	no.	no.	%
LARGEST GROWTH
Harrison(a)	1 200	870	307.8
Gungahlin	4 700	770	19.6
Dunlop	6 500	520	8.7
Amaroo	6 100	440	7.8
Bruce	3 900	350	9.7
LARGEST DECLINE
Monash	5 600	-80	-1.5
Chisholm	5 500	-60	-1.1
Theodore	4 200	-50	-1.1
Fadden	3 300	-50	-1.4
Chifley	2 400	-40	-1.8
(a) The very high proportional increase for Harrison in 2006-07 (of 307.8%) is due to the small June 2006 population (of 280 people) used as the denominator in calculating this increase.