Shire presidents are pleading for community members to complete their census form before the due date of September 23.
The Australian Census is the source of valuable information that assists the Australian Bureau of Statistics to provide a snapshot in time on the status and characteristics of the population.
Donnybrook-Balingup Shire president Angelo Logiudice said the census gave shires a good idea of what they needed to plan for.
“It is information that then filters through to us as well in terms of things like aged care and what facilities are required,” Logiuduce said.
“You get a feel for the numbers of people that you’ve got in your community and what stage of life they’re at.
“As much as it seems cumbersome … I think it’s important that we have that data to progress.”
John Nicholas, Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire president, said much of the information collected for the census was used for the distribution of the commonwealth and state grant funds.
“I understand sympathise with people who have got issues about the collection of private information, but I don’t see a significant amount of information to be provided in the document that that is of any major concern,” Nicholas said.
“My message would be for people to at least get the demographic and geographic information completed, and if they wish not to put their names on it then that’s a personal choice that they should make.”
Shire of Manjimup president Wade DeCampo explained how the data that is gathered during the census plays a crucial role in securing much-needed funding to provide better services and facilities for the community.
"Without population statistics, which are also used for forward projections of population growth, our region wouldn't have been as fortunate as we have been in recent years with regards to funding support from both Federal and State Government," DeCampo said.
You can complete your census online via abs.gov.au or return your completed form using the reply paid envelope supplied to your household with the form.
