Census proposals could impact services

Potential changes to the 2016 census could address an estimated under-count that records Busselton’s population at half its actual size, the City of Busselton says.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is considering adding further questions to its next census to count the population of cities where many residents are absent for extended periods, including those with holiday homes only occupied for part of the year and significant populations of fly-in, fly-out workers.

A report for the National Sea Change Taskforce, which represents Australian coastal councils, suggested the population of Busselton would have been 17.5 per cent higher if all properties were occupied on census night 2011.

City of Busselton acting chief executive Paul Needham said the report indicated the typical population of the city, averaged throughout the year, was as much as 50 per cent higher than the census population.

“I am sure that the census count is a reasonably accurate measure of the number of people who live permanently in the city,” he said.

“What it does not capture, however, is the significant number of people typically here as tourists or who are part-time residents, but actually spend a considerable proportion of their time here, ” Mr Needham said.

“It is not just at peak times that the census under-represents the actual population and demand for services in the city, it is actually the case throughout much of the year.

“The road network, car parking and boating facilities are all infrastructure where demand exceeds available supply at peak times.”

Mr Needham said an increase in the recurrent funding to the City through State and Commonwealth grants would be of greatest benefit.

“Census figures are one of a number of factors that determine the government funding provided to the City,” he said.

“They are also one of a number of factors that determine direct expenditure and investment by government in the area.

“(Increased funding) would place less pressure on ratepayers to meet the costs of providing infrastructure and services to meet our growing needs.”

An ABS spokesman said the proposed changes were currently before Federal Parliament.

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