The upcoming 2026 Census in Australia has sparked an intriguing debate, particularly in regional mining communities. The concern revolves around accurately capturing the so-called 'ghost population' of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, who, despite their significant impact on local infrastructure and services, often go unaccounted for in official population figures. This issue is not just a statistical anomaly; it has profound implications for funding, infrastructure planning, and even the sense of belonging for these transient workers.
The Challenge of Counting FIFO Workers
In cities like Kalgoorlie-Boulder, where the mining industry is booming, the rise in FIFO work practices has transformed the local landscape. Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport, for instance, now handles over half a million passenger movements annually, a stark indicator of the scale of this workforce. Yet, when it comes to the Census, these workers are often absent from the data, leading to concerns about the accuracy of population figures and, consequently, the allocation of resources.
Impact on Infrastructure and Funding
Mayor Glenn Wilson, who chairs the Australian Mining Cities Alliance, highlights the strain that an unaccounted-for population places on infrastructure and services. He argues that an increase in population should lead to increased funding opportunities, as many grant mechanisms consider population size. This is especially pertinent in regional areas, where resources are often stretched thin.
A Historical Perspective
The population of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has grown significantly since the first national census in 1911, with a notable 20% of the current population employed in gold mining. However, the latest ABS data suggests that the population growth might be underestimated, especially considering the boom in FIFO work and the associated increase in passenger movements at the local airport.
Similar Concerns in the Pilbara
The iron ore-rich Pilbara region faces similar challenges. Daiva Gillam, CEO of Regional Development Australia's Pilbara, highlights the strain on infrastructure, with local councils investing heavily in upgrades to cope with the combined local and FIFO population. She provides a stark example, where the Shire of East Pilbara is spending over $50 million to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant due to the increased demand from FIFO workers.
The Perspective of FIFO Workers
Robert Powell, a FIFO worker on a two-week on, one-week off roster, raises an interesting point. He suggests that the census should account for the unique nature of FIFO work by including more questions. For him, home is where he lives, and work is a separate entity, a sentiment shared by many FIFO workers who feel a sense of detachment from their workplace, despite spending significant time there.
The Census Methodology
Emily Walter, a spokesperson for the Census, acknowledges the challenge of collecting data on FIFO workers, comparing them to seasonal farm workers. The ABS has implemented a dedicated team to coordinate with mine sites to ensure accurate data collection. The concept of 'usual residence', where a person spends more than six months of the year, is used to determine their census location. This definition, while internationally comparable, raises questions about the sense of belonging and home for these transient workers.
A Matter of Belonging
Cheryl Yam, an organisational psychiatrist, suggests that the census question goes beyond a simple residence query. For FIFO workers, the camp may not feel like home, but it's also more than just a workplace. It's where they spend a significant portion of their lives, and the sense of belonging is complex. This perspective adds a human element to the statistical debate, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of these workers' lives.
Conclusion
The 2026 Census presents an opportunity to address the challenges of counting FIFO workers accurately. It's not just a matter of statistics; it's about ensuring that these workers are recognized and that their impact on regional communities is reflected in funding and infrastructure decisions. As we await the census data release in 2027, the question of how to account for this 'ghost population' remains a critical issue for regional Australia.
