Brisbane suburbs with the biggest projected population growth over the next 20 years

While some Brisbane suburbs are expected to more than double in population over the next 20 years, others are likely to lose residents over that same time frame. SEE YOUR SUBURB

South Brisbane’s population is expected to more than double in the next 20 years, with industry experts saying the government needs to look at dispersing populations going forward.

State government population projection data has shown which Brisbane suburbs can expect a spike in population figures in the coming decades with South Brisbane and West End topping the list.

As of June 30, 2021, South Brisbane had a population of 13,729. This number is expected to rise by 129 per cent to 31,127 by June 30, 2041.

Meanwhile, West End is projected to increase from 13,590 in 2016 to 28,345 in 2041.

The Rochedale – Burbank suburbs and the Newstead – Bowen Hills areas are both set to increase by more than 12,000 people in 20 years, while Upper Mount Gravatt will grow by more than 10,000 over the same time frame.

The data also evaluated areas that were projected to lose population, with Alexandra Hills set to decrease by more than 1000 people in 20 years, Belmont – Gumdale by 511 and Middle Park – Jamboree Heights by 397.

The data also looked at the outcome of the state’s entire population growth to 2066 with the highest projection seeing Queensland grow from just over five million people now to 11.5 million in 2066.

With the population boom looming, Antonia Mercorella, CEO of Real Estate Institute of Queensland, said the reality is that in the near future not everyone will be able to live in the heart of the city.

“Building more housing supply is absolutely the solution, but all levels of government need to rise to the challenge of keeping up with the quantity that’s required to meet demand from our growing population,” Ms Mercorella said.

Going forward, Ms Mercorella said governments needed to look to international policies and initiatives that were already working towards dispersing the population.

“We need to start taking a serious look at creating true commuter belts or satellite cities like we see in the UK and USA,” she said.

“Dispersal requires an adequate supply of land being released for housing and infrastructure to support that new supply – such as public transport, services, schools, shops, and amenities.”

Currently Bowen Hills, the fourth biggest population growth projection in Brisbane, is included in the state government’s priority development areas.

The plan is set to develop the space in light of its connection to the CBD through improving public transport, widening footpaths, developing community centres and building parks, among other things.

Meanwhile, suburbs including South Brisbane and West End are guided by the Brisbane City Council’s Neighbourhood Plans.

Parts of South Brisbane’s plan looks to develop long term infrastructure for residents and workers, while West End’s plan requires future dwellings to be consistent with the form, mass, scale and rhythm of other dwelling houses in the area.

An aerial of the Brisbane CBD.

Suburbs with the biggest expected population growth by 2041

1. South Brisbane – 17,398 more people

2. West End – 14,755 more people

3. Rochedale – Burbank- 12,180 more people

4. Newstead – Bowen Hills – 12,004 more people

5. Upper Mount Gravatt – 10,570 more people

6. Pallara – Willawong – 9,655 more people

7. Redland Bay – 9,479 more people

8. Fortitude Valley – 9,370 more people

9. Brisbane City – 8,937 more people

10. Chermside – 8,451 more people