The recently released Queensland Government population projections to 2031 report has indicated that Queensland’s population is expected to grow by 1 million people to around 5.6 million by 2031 with major South-East Queensland driving growth.

 

The report predicts that Queensland population will reach between 7.3 million and 11.15 million by 2056. However, this reflects a slower rate of growth than in recent years, matching the national trend.

 

Releasing the report, State Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade, Andrew Fraser said the key drivers of population growth would continue to be net overseas migration and natural increase (births minus deaths).

“While both overseas and interstate migration has slowed in recent years, Queensland is still the number one destination for interstate migration," he said.

 

Population growth is expected to be focused on mining communities, major regional centres and in the south-east corner of the state.

 

 “Mining towns are expected to boom but Ipswich will have the fastest growth, while Gold Coast will have the most growth. ”

 

“The impact of continuing resource sector development and investment is particularly evident in Gladstone, Isaac and Central Highlands, all of which feature in the top 10 fastest growing local government areas in the next decade.” Mr Fraser said.

 

Queensland Government population projections to 2031: local government areas is available on the Office of Economic and Statistical Research website: www.oesr.qld.gov.au