Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Queensland's population hits 4,444,444

http://www.statravelblogs.com/journal/region_images/australia_queensland_brisbane_queensland.jpgThere are now 4,444,444 Queenslanders.

The number was reached at about 4.44am (AEST) on Tuesday morning.

While many Chinese consider four to be an unlucky number, not so Queensland's chief numbers man, Treasurer Andrew Fraser.

"Our population increased by a record 112,666 people, or 2.6 per cent, over the 12 months to 31 March," Mr Fraser said.

"That's an average of 2,167 new residents each week - the second highest growth rate of all states and territories and higher than Australia's overall growth rate."

He said the population figure was calculated by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research population counter, and was based on the state's average population growth rate of one new arrival every four minutes and 33 seconds, and would have been reached at about 4.45am.

Overseas migration makes up almost half the increase, births account for 36 per cent and interstate migration 18 per cent.

"In the past two decades we've seen our population grow at an annual rate of 2.3 per cent, which is almost double that of the rest of Australia," Mr Fraser said.

He said the population growth has clear implications for the government's record $18.2 billion infrastructure program.

"While it's not surprising that Queensland is such a popular choice for overseas and interstate migrants in particular, our growing population does place considerable pressure on jobs, services and infrastructure," Mr Fraser said.

Queensland's population is expected to reach five million in 2016, six million in 2028, seven million in 2042 and eight million in 2057.

via Queensland's population hits 4,444,444 - Yahoo!7 News.

No comments: