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ABOUT 1000 people are moving from NSW to Queensland every week to fill jobs and live more cheaply, latest figures show. New population figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) last week showed 51,266 people left NSW for Queensland in the 12 months to March. At the same time, about 32,000 Queenslanders crossed the border heading south.

Queensland is the fastest growing state in Australia, with more than half its new residents coming from NSW. While NSW’s population grew 1per cent last year to 6.8million, Queensland grew 2.3per cent to 4.1million.

“The cost of living in Sydney continues to become less affordable so there is no better time to look at what opportunities there are right throughout Queensland,” Even though housing prices in Brisbane have gone up markedly in recent years, homes in the northern capital cost, on average, a third less to buy than Sydney. Sydney’s median monthly mortgage repayments last year remained the highest of any of the capital cities at $1800 a month, compared with $1300 a month in Brisbane. Rents are cheaper in Brisbane by an average of $60 a week. The ABS found most foods are cheaper in Brisbane. And a University of Queensland study found the average Sydneysider needs to earn at least 25 to 35per cent more than the average Brisbane resident to enjoy the same standard of living.

Source: Sydney Sun Herald

According to the much anticipated release of the ABS 2006 Census data, Queensland is still the nation’s fastest growing state. Queensland’s population is up 20.2 per cent on the 1996 Census count, with approximately 3.9 million people choosing to live in the Sunshine State. As a whole, Southeast Queensland recorded the greatest growth compared with other regions in Queensland, up 25.2 per cent since 1996. Other regions showed healthy growth with increases of 14.1 per cent in Central Eastern Queensland and 13.6 per cent in Northern Queensland.

Source: REIQ

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Over the twelve months to June quarter 2007, preliminary estimates show that established house prices in Australia rose 9.2%. Brisbane topped the capital cities with a 15.7% increase with Sydney at the bottom with just 3%. In the last quarter both Perth and Darwin fell in price.

Source: ABS

Queensland accounts for over a quarter of all new dwellings being built in Australia, according to recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics data. In June, Queensland’s 3,603 dwelling approvals accounted for 28.6 percent of total national dwelling approvals (12,610). “Queensland is the only State to record an annual increase in housing approvals in June, while every other State recorded declines,” says Deputy Premier and Treasurer Anna Bligh. “Trend dwelling approvals in Queensland increased at an annual rate of 10.7 percent in June 2007, while approvals in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia fell 9.9 percent, 9.1 percent and 9.1 percent respectively.”

Source: ABS

Strong growth is leading to an under supply of homes in Queensland and reports suggest the problem is escalating. Queensland’s ‘dwelling stock deficiency’ – the number of units, villas, townhouses and homes needed to supply demand – is increasing, according to BIS Shrapnel’s recent report on industry prospects.

“We are in a position of under supply, and construction isn’t occurring despite the strong underlying demand.” says BIS Shrapnel’s Jason Anderson.

He also said “ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) data shows that Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Cairns were rated 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Australia for population increase.” As net overseas and interstate migration continues to flow into Queensland supply problems can be expected to deteriorate.

Source: BIS Shrapnel report

MORE and more people are finding out what locals have always known – Cairns is a great place to live. Australian Bureau of Statistics research released yesterday reveals that in the 12 months from June 2005, the population increased 3.2 per cent from 128,666 to 132,765 people.

The city experienced the fourth largest growth in the state behind Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ipswich.

“Cairns is a desirable place to live,” Mayor Kevin Byrne said. “We have a good quality of living, an international airport 12 minutes from the city, growing education sector, wonderful public facilities and a tourism industry that shows steady growth.

The ABS figures show more than 76,000 people moved to the Sunshine State in the 12 months to June 2006. Of them, 25,800 moved from interstate, 21,400 from overseas and 29,200 due to a natural increase. More than 20.6 million people now call Australia home, up by 265,700 people on the previous year.

Cr Byrne forecast more people would continue to discover the lifestyle Cairns offers.

“My word. There is no indication that any time soon development growth will slow down,” he said.”Cairns will keep growing.”

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