Population Forecasts
In 1950, the population of Perth was around 400,000 and has grown at an average of 22,500 people each year since then.
By 2007, approximately 1.6 million people (76% of Western Australia’s population of 2.1 million people) were living in the Perth-Mandurah area. The population is currently growing by approximately 27,000 people each year.
The Western Australian Planning Commission forecasts population growth for the state. The most recent population forecasts were updated in November 2005 with the release of ‘Western Australia Tomorrow - Population Projections for Planning Regions 2004 – 2031 and Local Government Areas 2004 - 2021.’ This report included population projections through to 2031.
In summary, these forecasts suggest that the annual increase in population has peaked at about 27,000 a year and will now slow to 23,000 new people each year between 2021 and 2031. The Water Corporation is basing water demand projections on these forecasts through to 2030.
Water Forever has assumed population growth of 20,000 a year from 2031 – 2060, in keeping with forecast trends for a decline in the rate of growth after this time.
Water Forever is planning for a forecast population of 2.8 million people by 2060. If this growth is achieved sooner than expected, water infrastructure delivery, which includes the development of new water sources and the expansion of wastewater treatment systems, can be brought forward. Similarly, delivery can be pushed back if there is a significant reduction in growth rates.