New figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Gunnedah was the fastest growing town between 2007 and 2012, with a population increase of 6.1 per cent.

The town saw a jump in numbers from 11,879 in 2007, to 12,598 in 2012.

It edged out Tamworth as the fastest growing regional town in the North West, which saw a six per increase from 55,607 to 58,922.

Narrabri experienced a 1.3 per cent increase in the last five years, while Moree saw a decline of 0.1 per cent.

Gunnedah Mayor Owen Hasler said the results reflects predictions as far back as the early 1980s where Gunnedah was earmarked as the “preferred location and residential site for most of the permanent workforce related to the extractive industries which are established in the area”.

“I believe that these latest figures reflect that view and the fact that a large amount of the service industries and associated industry centring on Gunnedah as increased mining activity takes place,” Cr Hasler said.

“This is reflected in the record house and unit building activity we have experienced over the last two years with over 75 in both years with approximately eight duplexes/units being presently built in one street alone (Silversmith Street) which demonstrates that response to the rapid growth in population.

“With the large project at Maules Creek, the re- employment of a further 70 workers at Idemitsu’s Boggabri Coal, and the likely commencement of the Shenhua Watermark operation in 2015, I would expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future,” Cr Hasler concluded.