BALLARAT is regional Victoria’s leader in population growth, with new figures indicating the city grew by almost 2 per cent in a year.
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The latest report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed Ballarat was the top regional centre for annual growth in Victoria and New South Wales.
The figures show the Ballarat Local Government Area population has soared by 1.8 per cent from June 2012 to June 2013.
The figures also show Ballarat’s population in urban areas increased from 95,194 in June 2012 to 96,940 in June 2013 – a growth rate ahead of all neighbouring regional cities including Greater Bendigo and Geelong.
Greater Bendigo had a 1.6 per cent influx in population while Geelong measured a 1.4 per cent growth.
All major regional centres in New South Wales also fell short of Ballarat’s rapidly increasing growth, including Orange, which measured a 1.8 per cent population rise, and Tamworth, which had an almost 1.5 per cent increase in total population.
Ballarat councillor Des Hudson said it was no surprise that Ballarat’s population increase was leading the way not only in regional Victoria but Australia.
Cr Hudson said the key to Ballarat’s success was that it continued to entice varying demographics.
“For students, there is a high-quality education on offer in Ballarat,” Cr Hudson said.
“For older people on the verge of retiring, the access to fantastic health cares services is a real plus, as are the auxiliary health care providers we have in the region.”
Cr Hudson said another benefit was that Ballarat offered varied styles of affordable housing including in new estates like Lucas and infill housing in other areas of Ballarat.
“It can also be seen as a lifestyle choice people are making because of proximity of the city to key areas including Geelong and Melbourne,” Cr Hudson said.
“It is only an hour away from each of those cities, which can be a real drawcard for people.”
According to the report, the highest growing regional city in Australia was Bussellton in Western Australia, which grew by more than 4 per cent.
melissa.cunningham@airfaxmedia.com.au