Australia’s capital cities experienced strong population growth in the 12 months to June 30, 2007, according to population estimates released today (March 31) by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The population growth rate for all capital cities combined in 2006-07 was the highest recorded for several years. The total population of all capital city statistical divisions (SD) grew by 1.6 per cent in 2006-07, compared to an average growth of just 1.3 per cent for the five years to June 2007.

The Brisbane local government area (LGA) has become the first LGA in Australia to pass the population milestone of one million, reaching 1,010,000 people in June 2007.

The inner-city LGA of Perth was the fastest growing of all LGAs in capital city SDs in Australia, with a 9.1 per cent increase in population during 2006-07. Other inner-city LGAs to grow significantly were Melbourne (5.8 per cent) and Adelaide (4.8 per cent).

For more see www.abs.gov.au