The Queensland Office of Economic Statistical Research (OESR) recent publication shows that population growth has increased in the entire Great Barrier Reef catchment over the last 20 years (1986 to 2006).  Population in each statistical region of the Great Barrier Reef catchment is projected to increased over the next 20 years to 2026 to a total of 1,390,400 inhabitants (see figure 1:OESR 2002).

 

 Figure 1: Population growth by region

 

Population growth along the Great Barrier Reef coastline has grown at a faster rate than inland catchment areas and is projected to grow at a rate of 1.6% per annum (see figure 2:OESR 2002).

 

Figure 2: Forecast population increase for coastal vs inland areas (GBR region)

 

 

Figure 3: Population of cities 1997 - 2007

 

Coastal cities adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef have all increased over the period from 1997 to 2007. (Figures 3 and 4: OESR 2002)  This compares with cities further from the coast such as Rockhampton which only increased marginally and inland cities such as Charters Towers having recorded a decrease in population (Figure 4: OESR 2002).

 

Figure 4: Population & change 1997-2007

 

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Citation and/or URL

 http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/, (accessed 1 August 2008).

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Spatial Coverage

Queensland

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Temporal Coverage

1986 - 2008

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Update Frequency

 

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Other Information

None