Wagga's latest population statistics have provided optimism the city can reach a population of 100,000 population number by the estimated target of 2038.
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This week's release of the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealed Wagga's population on census night - August 10, 2021 - was 67,609.
That figure is up from 62,385 in 2016, showing an 8.37 per cent increase from 2016 to 2021, and an improvement on the 4.92 per cent increase between 2011 and 2016.
Wagga deputy mayor Jenny McKinnon described the latest number as "really promising".
"I think it actually says quite a bit about Wagga as an attractive destination for businesses, for families and for people who are looking for jobs," she said.
Wagga's five-year population growth of 8.37 per cent eclipses the growth shown across NSW of 7.91 per cent within the same period.
But despite the notable increase, a continued growth at the latest recorded rate would still only reach a 100,000 population by 2045.
Cr McKinnon acknowledged the recent rate of increase was lower than expected, but anticipated a build on that rise in the next census.
"With COVID, we had a couple of years where everything was stagnant for everybody in Australia," she said. "So, I think that slow down was to be expected.
Some surrounding LGAs have shown meaningfully less population growth than Wagga over the same five-year period.
Between 2016 and 2021, Junee increased its population from 6295 to 6415 for a growth of 1.9 per cent. Coolamon increased its population from 4315 in 2016 to 4385 in 2021 for a growth of 1.62 per cent.
Coolamon Shire mayor David McCann said that while the pandemic had a major impact on the LGA's recent population growth, he remained optimistic.
"What we are seeing since the census was undertaken last year is a significant amount of activity in land purchase and applications to develop land," he said.
"So, we feel very confident that Coolamon Shire will grow in the coming years.
"We're very much welcoming development whilst still trying to maintain a country-rural lifestyle."
Despite its smaller size, Lockhart LGA came close to matching Wagga's percentage increase with a 6.41 per cent growth, going from 3119 residents in 2016 to 3319 in 2021.
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Wagga-based NSW Nationals MLC Wes Fang said the census figures don't reflect the number of people opting for pandemic 'tree change' to Wagga.
"I think there has been a significant movement of people looking to live outside of the metropolitan areas," he said.
"So, I expect the next census will have an even greater increase."
Mr Fang remained optimistic a target of 100,000 by 2038, give or take a couple of years, was "certainly achievable" and that community leaders should be prepared.
Committee 4 Wagga interim manager Scott Sanbrook also believed the 2038 target for Wagga's population growth remained achievable despite the slowing of recent migration numbers.
"I think the important thing to remember is that a lot of Wagga's major projects have not fully kicked into gear yet," he said.
"Developments such as the Inland Rail, the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub, the Special Activation Precinct, the Riverina Redevelopment Joint Venture.
"When some of these developments are up and running, we will see a much more senior significant rise in the population."
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