2023 POPULATION FORECAST REVIEW

Queensland - Wide Bay SA4 region

Wide Bay SA4 is forecast to grow from 310,728 to 383,177 by 2046, an increase of 72,449 people throughout the forecast period. Immediately north of Queensland's famous Sunshine Coast, the Wide Bay region acts as it's direct extension, and set to receive a large share of growing families searching for larger properties.

Version 5.1.0 Published 21st June 2023

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Insights behind our population and dwellings forecasts for Wide Bay SA4

Key Findings

The population of Wide Bay SA4 in 2021 was 310,728. Forecast to grow by 72,449, the population is set to reach 383,117 persons by 2046, accounting for 3.5% of Queensland's population growth over the forecast period.

  • The number of dwellings in Wide Bay SA4 is forecast to grow from 145,030 in 2021 to 186,851 in 2046, an additional 41,820 dwellings.
  • Booral - River Heads SA2 (9,376), Bargara - Burnett Heads SA2 (8,515), and Urangan - Wondunna SA2 (6,558) are forecast to contribute the largest share of population growth combined, accounting for 33.8% of Wide Bay's SA4's total population growth to 2046, or 12.9%, 11.8% and 9.1% respectively.
  • The majority of the region's dwelling growth is attributed also to Bargara - Burnett Heads SA2 (4,849), Booral - River Heads SA2 (4,121), and Urangan - Wondunna SA2 (3,765), with a combined contribution of 30.5% or 11.6%, 9.9%, and 9% respectively.
  • No SA2s are forecast to decline in population over the forecast period, with the smallest growth forecast in Monto - Eidsvold SA2 (128 persons).

Read on below for charts, maps and tables sharing the forecast results at SA2 geography. 

 


Geography and the role and function of place

The Wide Bay SA4 is made up of 35 SA2s, situated 170km North of Brisbane, directly above Noosa of the Sunshine Coast SA4 region. The region's larger surface area is characteristic of its widely dispersed population across several major population centres. With a growing economy primarily geared towards Healthcare, retail, and agriculture, Wide Bay SA4 is forecast to experience significant and consistent growth throughout the 25-year forecast period.

The region's most significant population centre is Bundaberg, a historic agricultural hub situated just off the Burnett River in the most northern section of the SA4. As Bundaberg SA2 continues to grow, so does its economy, shifting away from agriculture and manufacturing and into services and retail as its leading provider. Heading South on the Bruce Highway leads to Maryborough, the region's second largest population centre, situated in the Fraser Coast area. Forecast to experience significant population growth over the forecast period, Maryborough SA2 and its surrounds continue to evolve into a prominent Queensland regional centre. Directly South on the same highway lies Gympie, a third historic town within the Wide Bay SA4 region, situated on the Mary River. Known for its gold and Macadamia trees, the city sits directly above the Noosa Hinterland and has also expanded its economy into health care and other services sectors.

In terms of transport, the region benefits from a passenger train linking Brisbane to Gympie. Beyond that, a regional bus connects the other major population centres, with rural areas relying on private transportation.

 


Wide Bay SA4 Forecast Results

 

 

 


National and State population forecast

A new census cycle means new 2021 ‘Tops-Down’ national to state to SA4 forecasts based on up-to-date macro-level population and economic assumptions. For more information on our ‘Tops-Down’ forecast assumptions and results, read our National and State Population Forecast Review.

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Commentary and analysis from our specialist forecasters.

Johnny Barnard

Johnny Barnard

Principal forecaster
Liza Ivanova

Liza Ivanova

Population forecaster
Richard Thornton

Richard Thornton

Population forecaster
Chris_Jones

Chris Jones

Population forecaster
Oliver Bowering

Oliver Bowering

Population forecaster
john-o

John O'Leary

Forecast modelling

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Public resources for local areas

Find resources for other parts of Queensland and Australia via our demographic resource centre.

Your questions answered

Do you have a question about our forecasts, our assumptions or about the Wide Bay SA4 Region? You can submit a question to our team by emailing locationdecisions@id.com.au

Request a copy of our forecast data for the Wide Bay SA4 Region.