About Growth Areas

The 29 growth area LGAs, located in outer metropolitan and peri-urban areas across Australia’s capital cities have accommodated over 30% of Australia’s population growth this century.

We are fast growing

More than 5 million people live in growth area LGAs across Australia, representing 21% of Australia’s population. Growth area communities grew at 3% per annum 2016-21 compared to the 1.2% national average.

We are diverse

Growth area communities are culturally diverse, with more residents born overseas in NGAA municipalities than Australia as a whole. 5% of all residents in growth areas were born in India, a proportion almost twice that of Australia’s population overall (2.6%). There are also higher percentages of residents born in New Zealand and the Philippines compared to Australia as a whole.

Cultural diversity can also be found in the different languages spoken. 29% of residents in fast-growing outer cities and suburbs speak a language other than English at home, compared to 22% for Australia.

We are ambitious

Australia’s fastest growing outer metropolitan cities and suburbs are a largely unrealised economic asset.

Compared to the rest of the nation, Australia’s growth areas had higher rates of productivity, accounting for over 12% of GDP despite only making up around 6% of Australia’s 545 LGAs.

However population growth continues to outrun economic growth, causing a growing job deficit. In 2021, there were 810,000 fewer jobs than employed residents, causing 65% of residents to work outside their LGA, daily congestion across our cities and high costs (economic and social).

The employment and economic potential is there. In 2021, 14% of jobs were in the growth areas, growing from 10% in 2006. The geographic location of these new communities are becoming hubs for sole traders and small businesses, which account for over 90% of all businesses in growth areas, above the Australian average of 89%. There has also been an increase in the number of residents who have obtained a Bachelor or Higher Degree qualifications, an increase of almost 5% since 2016, higher than in Australia (4% increase).

To unlock the full economic potential of Australia’s fastest growing outer metropolitan cities and suburbs, targeted investments in infrastructure are needed. This would help connect job opportunities with the growing population, fostering further economic development in these fast-growing communities.

We are innovative and resourceful

Residents in outer metropolitan cities and suburbs are innovative, pragmatic and resourceful. Getting on with life and establishing a positive lifestyle despite the many challenges they face. Challenges that have been caused by chronic under funding in investment. Nightmare commutes, overcrowded trains, traffic jams at highway exits, no safe footpaths for kids to walk to school – this is the daily experience of life in the outer suburbs. Additionally, basic health, education, social and community services and facilities are either unfunded or inadequately funded.

Australia's potential will come from growth areas. All levels of government must work together and align investment with the ambitions and determination of new communities.