Human settlements
Queensland's population is increasing, becoming more urbanised and increasingly concentrated in the state's south-east. While motor vehicle travel and overall energy use continue to increase, per capita water consumption appears to be stabilising and waste recycling is increasing. Although most Queenslanders are happy with their quality of life, the number of noise complaints has increased. In particular:
- Queensland's population grew by 8.9% from 3.34 million in 1996 to 3.63 million in 2001. The rate of population growth fell between 1996-2001 compared to 1991-96 but has risen rapidly since 2001.
- In 2001, 86.5% of Queenslanders lived in urban centres or localities, up from 83% in 1991.
- South-east Queensland accommodated 2.38 million people, or 65.4% of the state's population, in 2001. The region also accommodated 81.4% of the state's population growth over the period 1996-2001.
- Queensland's gross state product grew by an average of 4.7% a year over the period 1991-92 to 2001-02.
- Between 1993 and 2000, movement by road passenger vehicles increased by 28%, travel by rail increased by 20%, and road freight activity increased by 50%.
- Travel demand is growing faster than population. The number of passenger vehicles registered in Queensland increased from 1 680 713 (0.456 cars per capita) in 1998 to 1 836 529 (0.486 cars per capita) in 2002, the average distance travelled by passenger vehicles increased from 13 200 km in 1998 to 14 300 km in 2002.
- Between 1998 and 2002, total annual fuel consumption by all vehicles in Queensland increased by 22% to 5049 million litres.
- Public transport accounted for 10.1% of journeys to work in south-east Queensland in 2001, down from 11.3% in 1991.
- Average travel times during peak periods on the main roads into the Brisbane CBD rose by over 7% between 1998 and 2000.
- Queensland's total energy consumption rose from 849 petajoules (PJ) in 1994-95 to 1024 PJ in 2000-01.
- Queensland's main primary energy sources were black coal (45.8% of total energy use), petroleum products (37.1%), biomass (9.0%) and gas (7.6%).
- The proportion of Queensland homes using solar hot-water systems rose from 4.8% in 1994 to 9.1% in 2001.
- Average water consumption in the fourteen major urban water authorities in Queensland was 220 kilolitres/capita in 2000-01.
- The quantity of solid waste generated and sent to landfill in Queensland fell 13% from 4 428 800 tonnes (1350 kg/capita) in 1996-97 to 3 866 278 tonnes (1068 kg/capita) in 2001-02.
- The proportion of solid waste recycled in Queensland rose from 3.9% in 1996-97 to 20.4% in 2001-02.
- Approximately 87% of Queenslanders had access to a household recycling program in 2001-02. They recycled 150 449 tonnes of materials, or 41.6 kg/person.
- The volume of wastewater receiving tertiary treatment in south-east Queensland rose from 36% in 1998-99 to 48% in 2000-01.
- The proportion of wastewater reused in Queensland is low: an average of 5.7% in nine major urban local government areas.
- There were 12 956 noise complaints in 1999-2000, 18 655 in 2000-01 and 17 862 in 2001-02.
- Approximately 91% of Queenslanders surveyed in November 2001 said they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their quality of life.
- Both Brisbane and the rest of Queensland saw a sharp decline in housing affordability in the period 2001-03.
- 4.6% of Queenslanders live in areas of relative disadvantage characterised by low income and high unemployment.
- Urban residential densities in South East Queensland increased 5.1% between 1995 and 2001. In response Local Governments are providing more open space and walkways.
Last updated: 19 May 2004