In this section:

Archived Media Releases

Regional population on track

29 July 2010

South Australia's regional population is on track to grow in line with targets outlined in the State's Ten Year Strategic Plan.

Premier Mike Rann has released the latest Progress Report which shows regional population is continuing to grow and is on track to remain at or above 18 per cent of the State's total by 2010.

Regional Development Minister Michael O'Brien says he was pleased with the Progress Report on regional population.

"The combined population of the five country regions (Eyre and Western, Yorke and Mid North, Far North, Murray and Mallee, and Limestone Coast) has grown consistently since 2002-03," Mr O'Brien says.

"The annual growth rate has increased over time, although growth has been at a slower rate than the combined regions in metropolitan Adelaide and greater Adelaide.

"However, if the split between country and total state population growth continues at the same rate, then the population share of South Australia's five country regions is still on track to remain at or above 18 percent by 2010."

South Australia's Strategic Plan was introduced in 2004 and progress against the plan has been reviewed every two years by an independent audit committee.

Mr Rann has invited South Australians to have their say, through the Community Engagement Board.

The Board's chair Peter Blacker says this is the second time the plan will be updated to better reflect the thoughts of citizens.

"It's so important that this plan be a clear representation of what South Australians want and we've provided a number of options to ensure everyone can get involved no matter where they live," Mr Blacker says.

For more information on the consultation process and how to get involved, visit www.saplan.org.au.