4.4: Population and Demographics

Respond to the challenge of an ageing population in planning for all areas of activity.

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Although the ACT population is relatively young, it is ageing more rapidly than any other state or territory. As well as the obvious consequences for health services and aged accommodation, this demographic shift will have implications for the Territory’s workforce, economic growth rate, revenue-raising capacity, and provision of housing, transport, and community and education services. The ACT Government will respond to the challenge of an ageing population in its planning for all areas of activity. Forecasts of the level, characteristics and location of future population growth are fundamental to developing quality policy and making informed decisions. Population forecasts provide the basis for assessing future requirements for residential and commercial land, housing, public utilities and a range of government services. The ACT Government strengthened its focus on high-quality demographic information in the 2008–09 Budget by continuing the funding for a specialist demographer. Enhanced demographic analysis and population forecasting will better inform the ACT Government and community about the changing nature of Canberra’s population, and thus enable more effective planning and delivery of infrastructure and services to the community.

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