2011 Census released 21 June 2012 - Spectrum Analysis on hand for any enquiries

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the 2011 Census was the largest logistical peacetime operation ever undertaken in Australia, employing over 43,000 field staff to ensure approximately 14.2 million forms were delivered to 9.8 million households.

The 2011 Census will cost about $440 million, or about $19 per person.

In terms of population, Melbourne has increased by 9.7% over the 5 year period, giving it 46% more growth than Sydney (6.6% over the corresponding 5 year period).

Perth had the highest growth of the mainland capital cities with 13.9% growth over 5 years, followed by Brisbane at 11.2%. Adelaide faired worst keeping its place at the bottom of the list with 5.6% growth over the period. 

Based on Census of Population and Housing of 2011 released today, the centre of Melbourne is actually at Malvern Rd, Glen Iris, between King St and York St (1675 Malvern Rd, Glen Iris) according to Peter Buckingham, the Managing Director of Spectrum Analysis. This is a movement of around 400m to the west from where it was 5 years ago (based on Census 2006), very near the corner of Gardiner Rd and Bourne Rds, Glen Iris. 

Perth’s centre is still in the middle of Perth Waters having moved about 100m, whilst Adelaide’s centre is right near the corner of Frome Rd and Sir Edwin Smith Ave in North Adelaide.

Sydney’s centre has moved very slightly and is still near Heysen Ave, Ermington, whilst Brisbane’s centre is near the corner of Margaret and Albert Sts in the Brisbane CBD.

Using demographic and geographic data from the 2011 Census, this is the geographical point in which the population is equal in all directions, according to Peter Buckingham. 

Peter Buckingham is the Managing Director of Spectrum Analysis Australia Pty Ltd , a Melbourne based mapping and statistics consultancy, Spectrum specialises in assisting clients with decisions relating to territory building and retail location, using various scientific and statistical techniques.