Guyra is the boom town for population growth in the Northern Tablelands according to figures released last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
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The figures confirm that the vast majority of communities in the Northern Tablelands are growing with Guyra topping the list with a huge 6.8% increase over the last five years.
Guyra Shire’s population of 4,645 was an increase of 295 people or 6.8% over the five year period to June 2013 and bettered Tamworth’s 6.4% increase over the same period.
The population has been growing steadily since 2007 when it hit a low of 4324. This increase can be largely attributed to the establishment of the Costa Group’s tomato farm.
In the 12 months to June last year, the increase was 1.9% which is the single biggest yearly increase during that period and coincides with an increase in housing development in Guyra.
The ABS report, Regional Population Growth, showed the Northern Tablelands had seen an overall growth rate of 2.6% over the last five years – 30 June 2008 to 30 June 2013 – an increase of 2,037 residents.Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said that the figures were impressive and pleasing given the difficult economic times the region has faced in the last few years, particularly in the midst of a crippling drought.
Armidale Dumaresq local government area saw an increase of 770 people over the five year period at a rate of 3.2%, Inverell increased by 609 new residents at a rate of 3.8% growth, Uralla grew by 6.2% with an extra 374 residents and Tenterfield increased by 177, representing a growth of 2.6%.
Mr Marshall said it wasn’t all good news however, with the ABS figures showing that Glen Innes (8,905), Walcha (3,087) and Gwydir (5,104) LGAs suffered a slight population decline over the period.
The tough times on the land shone through in Walcha and Gwydir LGA’s figures. Walcha lost 85 people or 2.7% of its population between 2008 and 2013 while Gwydir saw its population decline by 106 or 2%. Gwydir showed signs of arresting this trend however with slight positive growth since 2011.
“This is not too dissimilar to other parts of rural NSW where population decline is still occurring, but I’m very pleased to say that the overall figures for the Northern Tablelands are extremely positive,” Mr Marshall said.
“These figures highlight the need to continue to promote country NSW and support government and non-government initiatives that help people and businesses to relocate and help existing business and industry to grow.”
