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Migration driving growth

Overseas migration accounts for half of the population growth rate in Australia with expansion in our major cities outstripping the national average, according to a new report.

The population and settlement data is outlined in the latest State of Australian Cities 2013 report, the fourth in a series of documents designed to present a comprehensive picture of how Australian cities are evolving.

The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) noted that one of the key findings in the report is the importance of good planning in managing growth and determining settlement patterns across the country.

PIA Chief Executive Officer, Kirsty Kelly said the State of Australian Cities publications are a pulse check on the trends and growth patterns in our major cities.

“The migration data in this report is invaluable and can inform the best possible planning decisions for our cities”, Ms Kelly said.

The report shows that in the 2011-2012 year the larger capitals grew almost 50 per cent faster than the rest of the country.

Sydney’s growth rate, however was below the national average but was due to overseas migrants taking the place of significant numbers of residents who left the city.

The State of Australian Cities 2013 report was released by Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese together with a ministerial statement called Walking, Riding and Access to Public Transport.

Ms Kelly warned that bipartisan support at government level is essential if the initiatives are to have real outcomes.

“The focus on transport planning and the value of integrated land use are key factors in achieving healthy communities and decent productivity in our cities.

The Planning Institute worked with the National Heart Foundation, the Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Local Government Association to create the Healthy Places and Spaces program”, she said, noting that the Walking, Riding and Public Transport statement recognises this combined effort.

Both reports are now available on the infrastructure.gov.au website.