Archive: 2006 Census Data
Last Updated 29/5/07
First 2006 Census ABS Data Due In June 2007
(28/3/07 - SP) Next round of DSE Population Projections due in June 2008. Let's hope they don't again project rampant growth in Macedon Ranges, like the last lot did in 2004
The December 2006 edition of "Research Matters" (published by the Department of Sustainability and Environment Spatial Analysis and Research Unit) has an interesting report on a population workshop held in New Zealand last October. Some of the key issues raised were the need to better recognise the importance getting local population estimates as accurate as possible (currently highest priority is for accuracy at National, not State and Local, level, which has implications for State and Local funding), more transparency about how the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates population (figures about adjustments are currently only provided at State or higher level, not local government level), and making sure people are aware that the ABS has changed the way it expresses basic community profiles (previously expressed as 'enumerated population', whereas 2006 data will be expressed as 'place of usual residence' data). DSE advises that 'almost as soon as 2006 census data is released', it will release latest findings for its publications, Towns In Time and Suburbs In Time (full publication isn't scheduled to occur until late 2008). You can catch up on what's happening on these and related issues by going to www.dse.vic.gov.au/research/urbanandregional
MRRA Says:
We hear the bases to be used for the next round of DSE Population Projections may vary from those used to prepare the 2004 version. For instance, impacts of climate change, severe water shortages and some changing demographics (such as fewer 'empty-nesters' selling up than was forecast) are rumoured to be amongst the variables. Here in Macedon Ranges, we would hope the area's State significance might also be an influencing factor even though 'policy' currently doesn't influence projections.