There has been a population increase of 0.7 per cent in the Northern Tablelands according to an annual report on Regional Population Growth released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said the figures demonstrate a continuing trend of steady population growth in this region since 2005 with an overall increase of almost six per cent or 3,866 people in that time.
Mr Torbay said six of the eight Local Government Areas that make up the Northern Tablelands recorded population increases in the last financial year.
“This is a welcome indication that the initiatives, programs and campaigns to regenerate our rural and regional areas are returning dividends to the Northern Tablelands through increased population,” Mr Torbay said.
“We have done well at 0.7 per cent when compared to other inland regions – Tamworth (1.2), Monaro (0.9), Bathurst (0.7), Dubbo (0.5), Albury (0.5), Murrumbidgee (0.2), Barwon (0.1) and Murray-Darling (-0.3)..
“It is also important to note that most of our regional growth is not related to mining industries and indicates communities are steadily building on their own strengths.
“The latest ABS figures highlight yet again the failings of the state planning methodology used to estimate future population growth in regional NSW as negative is miles away from the fact that populations in almost all rural centres continues to steadily increase.
“On current calculations by 2030 the population of the NSW Northern Inland is predicted to be at least 15 per cent higher than the current Department of Planning predictions.
“The government agreed to review this situation during the development of the Regional Action Plan that is expected to be released later this year as a blueprint for future development.”
