Parkes residents have long believed that the population was growing - and that the figure was now above the 10,000 mark which has been placed on entrances to town for many years.
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Now it is official. Parkes’ population is 12,219, with the shire figure 15,148.
Shire councillor Michael Greenwood has been looking to have the new figures featured on the entry signs for some time.
But getting the correct figure has been difficult.
“The release of upgraded population figures for the Parkes town areas provides an ideal platform for an array of promotional purposes,” he said.
“It is suggested the revised figure of 12,219 be utilised on town entry signs and in appropriate publications to reflect the manner in which the district continues to grow and develop.”
Council is now using the new figures on grant applications and documentation when opportunities are available.
The new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) regional population growth figures have just been released.
Once again they show that more people are calling the Parkes Shire home, with the population increasing from 15,084 people in 2011 to 15,148 in 2012 - an increase 0.4pa%.
These figures are supported by the ABS census figures which show over a 2% growth for the Shire between the 2006 and 2011 census.
Based on the approximate census postal area 2870, Parkes grew by 3.61% from 11,793 in 2006 to 12,219 in 2011.
Mayor Cr Ken Keith said the figures reflect the surge in recent investment and development in the shire.
“These include ALDI supermarket commencing development of their site; a development application has been lodged for the $12 million Peak Hill Multi Purpose Health Service; $13 million invested in the development of the new Police Station which should be near completion by July this year; the investment of a new motel on Bogan Street valued at $6 million; and the imminent announcement of the new $42 million Parkes hospital site,” he said.
“Council is also about to invest well over $50 million into the community with development of new sewage and water treatment plants, an upgrade of Lake Endeavour Dam and an upgrade of the airport facilities.”
Cr Keith said being able to demonstrate an increasing population is also very important for regional communities especially when are looking to securing Government funding for things such as health and education services and infrastructure.
Forecasts continue to predict the decline of regional Australia, yet the regions continue to grow in defiance of these predictions.
We have always known that this is a wonderful place to live and for business to invest and it looks like the secret is now out.
These figures show that Parkes is a progressive community which has a strong diverse economic base”.
