Growing area

Rockingham's population growth rate of 3.9 per cent in 2009/2010 was the second-biggest in the State, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

By June 2010, Rockingham had gained another 3900 residents, second only to Wanneroo, which gained 6000 new people.

Stirling was third with 3300 new residents.

These additions come despite a slow in the overall growth rate of WA, which dropped to 2.2 per cent from 3.1 per cent the previous year.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the council was planning ahead for more big population increases over the next 20 years.

‘‘Experts predict our population will grow from 104,000 to more than 164,000 by 2030,’’ he said.

‘‘This is a very exciting time to be living in Rockingham — land is under development here that is in the fastest growth corridor in Australia.’’

Cr Sammels said Rockingham had competitive land prices, a relaxed lifestyle, strategic coastal location and close proximity to transport hubs and sea ports, which made it an attractive place to live.

The estimated resident population of WA has now reached 2.29 million people, representing just over 10 per cent of Australia’s total population.