The latest population projections for Western Australia show that by 2026, the state’s population will grow to 3,061,000 with the Perth and Peel region projected to be between 2,275,000 and 2,356,000. 


This is about 400,000 higher State-wide than a projection made in 2006 and is based on a new approach that identifies a most likely projection, supported by two alternative scenarios either side of that trend.        

Releasing the figures, the Planning Minister John Day confirmed that the key planning strategy Directions 2031 remained the tool for the State Government to plan to meet the challenges of the new projections in the Perth and Peel region.


“Population projections evolve as circumstances and conditions change so it is important that our planning is informed by the most relevant and accurate data - these new projections take into consideration both new and existing trends,” he said. 


“The expectation of continued economic prosperity is a key consideration, as is the nationwide recovery in fertility which now equals the influence of a slightly higher overseas migration trend.”


Mr Day said the new projections for Perth and Peel also further illustrated the need for projects like the Perth Waterfront, Perth City Link, and Riverside - which would create more places for people to live and work in the city - as well as the importance of further urban consolidation across the metropolitan area.


“There is no doubt that we need these projects to help meet the needs of our growing city just as we need to continue to encourage the provision of a diversity of housing options and choices across Perth,” he said.

 

The City of Perth is forecast as the fastest growing local government in WA, with an annual average growth rate of 6.7 per cent over the 20-year projection period.

 

For more information, see: http://planning.wa.gov.au/WAtomorrow