Qld's population pendulum forecast to swing to an even greater ...

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, whose Rankin electorate in Logan is nestled between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, talked up his home state’s appeal.

“There’s no doubt that we live in the best part of the best country in the world,” he said.

“Every year, more and more Australians are realising what they’re missing out on and moving to Queensland.

“During the pandemic we saw strong demand from people in Sydney and Melbourne looking to relocate, and that’s not likely to stop in years to come.

“Queensland has become the undisputed capital for Australians looking for a sea change.”

Chalmers said while the pandemic had a significant and enduring impact on the Australian community and economy, there were signs that population growth was “bouncing back”.

“A healthy, growing population is vital when it comes to creating a stronger and more prosperous economy,” he said.

“COVID-19 highlighted just how important the wellbeing of our workforce is to Australia’s economic prosperity.”

Migration was expected to provide the lion’s share of Queensland’s population increase. Overseas migration is expected to account for 32,000 new Queenslanders this financial year alone, while 30,600 were expected to move from interstate.

Loading

The natural increase in the state’s population – the number of births a year minus the number of deaths – is forecast to reach 27,800 in 2023-24 before falling to 22,500 by 2032-33.

Most of those births were expected in Brisbane, with an anticipated high-water mark of 17,400 in 2023-24, down to 15,500 in 2032-33.

The 2022 Population Statement will be released in full on Friday.