Concerns that Narrabri Shire was undercounted in the last Census have prompted a renewed push from Mayor Darrell Tiemens to ensure every resident is counted in 2026.
Cr Tiemens says getting the numbers right is critical, warning an undercount directly impacts funding, infrastructure and essential services across the region.
“The census is one of the most important datasets used by all levels of government and many service providers to determine funding allocations, infrastructure investment and service delivery,” he said.
“When regional communities are undercounted, it means they are effectively ripped off when it comes to hospitals, roads, housing and other essential services.”
The mayor’s concerns follow what council describes as strong anecdotal evidence that Narrabri Shire was underrepresented in the 2021 Census, potentially affecting how resources have been allocated in the years since.
Cr Tiemens said regional areas face unique challenges that make accurate counting more difficult, particularly in large and highly mobile communities.
“Our Shire covers an enormous geographic area, and our population is far more dynamic than many people realise,” he said.
“As Australia’s second largest agricultural economy, we have a highly mobile workforce that must be accurately captured.
“People living in rural and remote areas of our Shire lead very different lives to those living in suburban Sydney and therefore require a bespoke approach.”
He pointed to several groups commonly missed in rural counts, including itinerant agricultural workers, international temporary workers, contractors, fly-in fly-out and drive-in drive-out employees, truck drivers, and people living in temporary or informal accommodation.
Cr Tiemens said these gaps must be addressed to ensure the region is properly represented.
“We understand the Bureau have been allocating resources and support to gain quality census data, but we are saying more needs to be done,” he said.
“We are the ones on the ground seeing the disparity between the results of the 2021 Census and the allocations that our communities are receiving.
“We must ensure that the census properly reflects the true scale and activity of regional communities like ours.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said the Census measures Australia’s estimated resident population based on where people usually live for six months or more, rather than temporary or seasonal population movements.
An ABS spokesperson said this approach is an international standard and noted the Census is conducted in winter to reduce the impact of population mobility.
The Bureau has assigned two Census Engagement Managers to Narrabri Shire, including one focused on supporting people experiencing homelessness, and will work with council and community groups to improve participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and those living in remote or bushland areas, including around the Pilliga Forest.
Census materials will be mailed to households in Narrabri and Wee Waa, while local field officers will deliver paper forms to properties across the rest of the Shire, with the option to complete the survey online.
Cr Tiemens said the message to residents, workers and employers is clear ahead of Census night in August.
“Getting this right matters. Accurate data ensures regional communities receive their fair share of investment and support.”
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