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Release Date: 
Tuesday, 28 April 2015

The City of Armadale is concerned at the Federal Government’s consideration of cancelling the 2016 Census. As a member of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA), the City is opposed to this possible change to the National Census program, which would extend the data collection period from the current five years to a proposed 10 years.

“Armadale is a high growth area, experiencing annual average growth rates of 5.6%. This is twice that of WA, and almost four times that of the national average,” said Armadale CEO Ray Tame.

“Extending the period between Censuses only further disadvantages growth areas.

“The Census is our primary data source, providing the most important evidence base for the planning of infrastructure and services,” he said.

The current Census layout is important because it:

  • provides the only consistent and reliable data on population and housing for Armadale.
  • enables advocacy to Federal and State governments that consistently underestimate growth patterns.
  • is an essential tool that allows us to provide accurate, timely and relevant services, facilities, and advice to Council, our community and stakeholders.

“Census data accuracy can be relied upon and is critical to projecting population growth, planning key infrastructure or services and identifying business and investment opportunities.

“The City considers that at an average cost of $20 per person nationally the Census program provides real value for Australian taxpayers,” he said.

For more information on this topic contact:

Phone: (08) 9394 5000
Email: info@armadale.wa.gov.au

Media Contact
For media enquiries please contact:
Marketing and Communications Team
Phone: (08) 9394 5000
Email: media@armadale.wa.gov.au