POPULATION

Population Change, Queensland
Regional Population Growth

POPULATION CHANGE, QUEENSLAND

The preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) for Queensland was 4,132,000 at 31 December 2006, an increase of 82,400 (2.0%) since 31 December 2005. Queensland accounted for 20% of the Australian population at 31 December 2006.

Between the September 2006 quarter and the December 2006 quarter, net interstate migration contributed nearly 40% (8,300 persons) of the total population increase (21,600 persons). Net natural increase (excess of births over deaths) contributed 7,000 persons and net overseas migration contributed 6,300 persons.

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 2006, the Queensland population was estimated to be 4,091,546 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 and 2006
		2001	2006
		'000	'000
Statistical division
	Brisbane	1 629.1	1 820.4
	Gold Coast	432.6	518.1
	Sunshine Coast	247.2	295.1
	West Moreton	65.7	72.7
	Wide Bay-Burnett	236.5	269.3
	Darling Downs	210.4	227.1
	South West	27.0	26.4
	Fitzroy	181.7	200.6
	Central West	12.5	11.6
	Mackay	137.5	159.9
	Northern	190.3	209.6
	Far North	224.2	247.6
	North West	34.3	33.2
Queensland		3 628.9	4 091.5
(a) Estimates of the resident population as at 30 June 2001 are final. Data for 2006 are preliminary.
Regional Population Growth, Australia (cat. no. 3218.0).

The fastest growing statistical divisions over the five years between 30 June 2001 and 30 June 2006 were Gold Coast with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%, Sunshine Coast (3.6%) and Mackay (3.1%). Three statistical divisions recorded negative average annual growth during the same period: South West (-0.4%), North West (-0.6%) 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 will be released with this product. At that time, spreadsheets and a data cube containing estimates for all years from June 1996 to June 2006 will be 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.