New CDU research to explore drivers of population change in the NT

Researchers from Charles Darwin University are calling for people to take part in the biggest survey ever undertaken into the drivers of population change in the NT.

The call-out is to past, present and potential Territorians to participate in the survey. It is part of the 2018-28 Northern Territory Population Growth Strategy, “The Territory and Me” research project, and the results will inform policymakers about the drivers of population change.

In the year to September 2018, the Territory’s population is estimated to have declined by 0.2% while nationally the population grew by 1.6%.

The aim is to better understand what makes people want to move here, stay living here or decide to leave. The information will be used to devise strategies that ultimately increase the NT’s population.

Demographer with CDU’s Northern Institute, Dr Andrew Taylor said the research would run over two years and involve collecting and analysing a range of information.

“Every Territorian stands to benefit from a growing population as it is a vital element to the NT’s economic stability and the creation of more jobs and opportunities, both social and economic,” Dr Taylor said.

A big part of the research is an online survey, which will gather information on what people like about living in the Territory and what they don’t like, what encourages them to stay or consider leaving, as well as asking questions on how connected they feel to their community.

“We are calling on Territorians to get behind this survey so it provides factual information on what motivates our population and generates additional initiatives that can be used to help grow the Territory,” he said.

“We need as many people as possible to participate and to share the survey with family and friends. We all know people who have lived here at some point, so sharing the survey with them is really important for understanding the many reasons why people have left.

“The decision-making process about relocating is complex and the survey will also shed light on what motivates people to move here. We will also be running focus groups to talk face-to-face with people about their relocation decisions,” Dr Taylor said.

The survey will take between 15 to 20 minutes to complete and respondents can go into the draw to win a return flight between Darwin or Alice Springs and any capital city (to value of $850) or one of two $100 gift vouchers.

Dr Taylor said the research would help develop policies and initiatives that could help turn around current population trends.

The Territory and Me survey can be found at W: theterritoryandme.cdu.edu.au