Victoria's population has increased too quickly, putting pressure on Australian property, the state premier has admitted.
John Brumby said he was comfortable with a population growth rate of up to 1.7 per cent, which he likened to a car travelling at 100 km/h, the Age reported.
However, figures have suggested that the state grew by 2.2 per cent over the last financial year - equivalent to "speeding" at 130 km/h.
Furthermore, growth this financial year and next is set to remain at similar levels of 2.1 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively, only returning to Mr Brumby's ideal in 2010-13.
The current rate is the highest "in a long, long time", he said.
"We will add about 100,000 people. We may add more people this year than Queensland - that remains to be seen; we almost did last year."
The population is growing due to the popularity of Victoria with immigrants and a higher fertility rate, he added.
New jobs in Victoria could also be attracting migrants, with nearly 100,000 opportunities created in the state in less than a year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Posted by Craig Francis
John Brumby said he was comfortable with a population growth rate of up to 1.7 per cent, which he likened to a car travelling at 100 km/h, the Age reported.
However, figures have suggested that the state grew by 2.2 per cent over the last financial year - equivalent to "speeding" at 130 km/h.
Furthermore, growth this financial year and next is set to remain at similar levels of 2.1 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively, only returning to Mr Brumby's ideal in 2010-13.
The current rate is the highest "in a long, long time", he said.
"We will add about 100,000 people. We may add more people this year than Queensland - that remains to be seen; we almost did last year."
The population is growing due to the popularity of Victoria with immigrants and a higher fertility rate, he added.
New jobs in Victoria could also be attracting migrants, with nearly 100,000 opportunities created in the state in less than a year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Posted by Craig Francis
