A new Australian Bureau of Statistic report has listed Edward River in the top 10 areas of population decline, sitting at number eight.
It shows that between the year 2000 and 2023, our population dropped a concerning 17 per cent - or 1761 people.
With the region’s population recorded at 8430 in the 2023 Census, it means Deniliquin has a long way to go to reach the goal being pursued by Edward River Council of 19,800 people by 2050.
The population goal is set out in council’s draft Edward River Growth Strategy 2050 and based on one of a number of population target recommendations in the ‘Our Region Your Say’ report.
But in the last nine months, a number of locals have expressed concern that setting such a lofty goal could place the credibility of the process under scrutiny.
They have requested council instead aim for the slightly lower population increase of about 13,300, which is also outlined in the ‘Our Region Your Say’ report as “more organic growth but will still require investment and a strategy”.
Similar concerns have been raised again since the release of the ABS report, but a council spokesperson says it demonstrates that “with a consistent trending population decline, the actioning of the Edward River Growth Strategy 2050 is more crucial than ever”.
When asked if this recent report would prompt a review of the population target, council would only say “the Edward River Growth Strategy 2050 contains an aspirational population growth target”.
The draft strategy has been through the community consultation phase, but will not be tabled for adoption until the new council is elected after the September 14 vote.
“Council has been aware of declining populations in rural interior regions for some time, and continues to seek to better understand and address the multi-faceted contributing factors,” the council spokesperson said of the recent ABS findings.
“Council has developed our Advocacy Plan 2024-2025 and more recently sought public feedback on our Edward River Growth Strategy 2050.
“Council is also working closely with Berrigan Shire Council to seek to obtain a Country University Centre to service our communities.
“Council is a member of the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation of Councils (RAMJO) which is developing a regional housing strategy.”
As for what is driving the population growth, council said there are a range of contributing factors.
Among them is migration from rural areas to capital cities/urban areas, partly due to lack of access to services, and the loss of young adults seeking employment or attending universities.
Council said there is also some evidence to suggest the population has been impacted by lower birth rates and an ageing population.
The impacts of water buybacks and other water policies, and the automation of farming and agricultural industry have also been listed as factors.
“In general terms, population decline can manifest itself in differences in living standards between urban and rural areas,” the spokesperson said.
“It is also leading to a greater reliance on technology to access services remotely that would once be accessed face-to-face.”
The Growth Strategy outlines ideas on how to build population growth through six key areas:
• Tourism and events
• Expanded residential construction with a focus on residential housing
• A regionally significant centre for care and emergency services
• Expanding and intensifying our agribusiness sector.
• A manufacturing and Intermodal Hub.
• Educating , training and research, including a Country Universities Campus.
The draft report can be read on council’s website.
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