Moree Plains Shire - Demographics

Demographics

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics there:

• were 15,991 people as at 30 June 2006, the 81st largest Local Government Area in New South Wales. It was equal to 0.2% of the New South Wales population of 6,827,694
• was an increase of 34 people over the year to 30 June 2006, the 110th largest population growth in a Local Government Area in New South Wales. It was equal to less than 0.1% of the 58,753 increase in the population of New South Wales
• was, in percentage terms, an increase of 0.2% in the number of people over the year to 30 June 2006, the 120th fastest growth in population of a Local Government Area in New South Wales. In New South Wales the population grew by 0.9%
• was an increase in population over the 10 years to 30 June 2001 of 627 people or 4.1% (0.4% in annual average terms), the 76th highest rate of a Local Government Area in New South Wales. In New South Wales the population grew by 622,966 or 10% (1.0% in annual average terms) over the same period.

However, a 2011 research report contradicted the above assertion and reported:

• Population and employment in Moree Plains has steadily declined over the last two decades. Between 2001 and 2006 Moree Plains saw the greatest net migration change amongst the study areas with 1741 people moving out of the area
• There was a corresponding decline in employment
• In 2005-06 the Moree Plains economy was estimated to have a Gross Regional Product of $605 million
• The unstable economy is not conducive to investment and development, including the provision of services