The latest government statistics show that the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) population will reach 500,000 by 2050.

The data is based on Australian immigration figures as well as mortality and fertility. It is said that the population should hit 350,000 in 2010 and 400,000 in 2022. Nearly a quarter of the growth will be contributed by Australian immigration, while the rest will be driven by births against deaths.

“These are significant challenges represented by these numbers, but they are policy neutral,” said Jon Stanhope, ACT Chief Minister.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) announced a new initiative which will focus to help people to immigrate to Australia over next three years.

An Australian immigration spokesman said that “it will guide the work we all do in our nation-building role, serving as a reminder that the work the department does today will have ongoing economic and social benefits that will grow and develop over many years.”