Population set to hit 223,000 New figures predict huge people rise
TOOWOOMBA’S population could hit 223,000 people by 2041, new data from the Queensland Government has revealed.
The Queensland Statistician’s Office released its Population Projections 2018 report yesterday which found Toowoomba’s population could rise from 164,595 people at the 2016 census to a high of 223,151 in 2041, a 36 per cent increase.
A more conservative prediction in the report said population could rise to 204,332, or it could be as low as 187,121.
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport said she believed Toowoomba’s population growth would be closer to the 223,000 mark by 2041.
“I’ve heard statistics similar to those before,” she said.
“I think it’s really exciting for our region.”
A number of projects such as Inland Rail, the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and the proposed city deal, which could include a high-speed train to Brisbane, are all on the cards to be completed before
2041.
Ms Davenport said these projects all impacted population growth.
“By that time Inland Rail would have been up and running for about 15 years,” she said.
“We would see ourselves as an inland port and the central heart of Australia for infrastructure and goods to be travellings through and being consolidated.
“Innovation is where we’re going to have to be well and truly ahead of the pace.”
Ms Davenport said agriculture technology was one specific area that could grow in the region and would lead to more employment.
“We want to be feeding the world,” she said.
“We are well poised for that.”