GANNAWARRA Shire Council has bucked a population decline, recording an increase in residents living in the municipality for the first time this century.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics released date collated during last August’s Census on Tuesday, which revealed 10,549 people were living in the municipality at the time – an increase of 183 compared to 2011 data.
Population increases in Cohuna (2428, up by 115) and Kerang (3893, up by 21) contributed to the rise, but all other towns have seen their populations decline.
These included Murrabit (201, down by 129) and Quambatook (249, a decrease of 112) – a result of ageing populations and the impact of changes to the agriculture sector.
Neighbouring municipalities recorded population increases, with Campaspe (37,061 – up by 696), Loddon (7516 – up by 57) and Swan Hill (20,584 – up by 135) also seeing their populations grow. However, Buloke Shire Council’s population fell from 6384 to 6201.
The Census report also revealed the average Gannawarra Shire Council resident is a 49-year-old woman with two children, who is non-religious and lives with a family earning $908 per week.
The average monthly mortgage repayment is $977, with weekly rent being $150.
The number of people married in the Gannawarra Shire dropped by 2.3 per cent to 52.2 per cent, with 86.5 per cent of the municipality’s population born in Australia.
Those living in the municipality who classify themselves as not having a religion increased by 5.3 per cent to 27.8 per cent of the population, with Catholicism the most popular religion at 20.6 per cent – up by 0.3 per cent.
The ABS’ next data release – which will focus on employment figures – will occur in October.
