66
6. Regional Profile
The following regional profile provides an illustration of select socio economic characteristics of the Study
Area relevant to climate change adaptation. While some elements of this section have been used to
inform latter sections of this report, the profile serves as a basis for risk identification and assessment in
Stage Two of the WARCAPP project.
Several data sources were relied upon including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as well as the
National Health Survey.
6.1.
Current Population and Age Structure
6.1.1. Population size
At the 2011 ABS census, the Study Area was home to 215,516 people, or 17% of the population of
Greater Adelaide
21
. Between 2001 and 2011, the region grew by nearly 13,000 residents, albeit at a
population growth rate smaller than that experienced across Greater Adelaide. Within the region, the
highest rates of population growth were experienced in Port Adelaide Enfield, and West Torrens.
Table 6.1: Time Series Analysis of Population Size
1
2001
Census
2006
Census
2011
Census
Annual
Growth Rate
2
City of Port Adelaide Enfield
98,569
102,496
112,508
1.4%
City of Chares Sturt
100,038
99,945
104,414
0.44%
City of West Torrens
50,416
51,871
54,921
0.89%
Western Adelaide
3
202,648
203,814
215,516
0.63%
Greater Adelaide
1,116,859
1,152,870
1,223,375
0.95%
Data Source:
ABS Time Series Profile for the Cities of Port Adelaide Enfield, Charles Sturt, West Torrens and Greater Adelaide.
1
Based upon ‘place of enumeration’ - the place at which the person was counted on Census Night.
2
Averaged over ten year period 2001-2011, and converted to an annual rate.
3
Defined using the State Government Western Adelaide Region boundary (i.e. the population of Port Adelaide Enfield (west), Charles Sturt and West
Torrens)
6.1.2. Median Age
The median age of the population in the Study Area varies from 37 in Port Adelaide to 41 in Charles Sturt.
This indicates that the population is youngest in Port Adelaide Enfield, and oldest in Charles Sturt.
Between 2001 and 2011, the median age in Port Adelaide Enfield has declined, while it has increased in
Charles Sturt and remained unchanged in West Torrens.
21
For the purpose of this report, Greater Adelaide is defined as the Greater Capital City Statistical Area Code 4GADE (ABS). This
generally covers the area commonly known as Metropolitan Adelaide including Mount Barker. Refer to
Appendix A
for
comparison between Greater Adelaide (ABS) and Greater Adelaide Region (SA Government).
