Roadshow to reveal NT’s population future

Population experts will tour the Northern Territory to update communities on what the future may hold based on the 2016 Census data. 

Led by demographic researchers from the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University, with members of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the team will travel to Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine to deliver region-specific seminars as part of the Territory Population Roadshow.

Senior demographer Dr Andrew Taylor said that every five years the Census provided a base to paint a picture of what the NT population looked like and was vital information for planning the NT’s future.

“Population growth is crucial to the Territory and much has changed,” Dr Taylor said.

“Armed with new 2016 Census data we will provide an update on trends, implications and future directions for Darwin and beyond.”

He said the figures indicated that although the population growth was slow in general, there were communities on the increase.

“The data indicates that the NT is the fastest aging population in Australia, with seniors (those aged 65 and over) set to double in the next two decades,” he said.

“Our multicultural community is also growing rapidly.”

Dr Taylor said that their analysis would help to inform government and stakeholders on how to plan for the future and build on the strengths of each region.

“Each region has its unique challenges,” he said. “The Territory is becoming more urbanised with 60 per cent of people now living in the Greater Darwin region. Other regions are experiencing very slow population growth, with some areas in decline.”

He said visiting international colleagues would also compare the current situation in the Territory to similar places in the world.

“Representatives from the Australian Bureau of Statistics will deliver key Census findings while Canadian colleagues discuss research on modelling population changes in small northern places,” Dr Taylor said.

“Northern Institute principal research fellow Professor Dean Carson, who is currently working with Nordic governments and researchers on small area demography, will talk on how his research might help inform strategies to grow and sustain NT population growth.”

The roadshow will be held in Darwin on 29 November, Alice Springs on 4 December and Katherine on 7 December. For more information or to register to attend visit W: cdu.edu.au/northern-institute/events/demography-roadshow-2017