The settlement of Townsville occurred in 1864 and was developed as a port and transport centre for the agricultural industries until World War II. It was at this time that the city became a Garrison base for the war in the Pacific and remains today, a strategically important defence centre with the largest defence establishment in Australia.
The total population of Townsville is 94,739 and of its twin city, Thuringowa is 51,140 - a total of 145,879 (2001 Census). However, a 2004 figure from the Office of Economic and Statistical Research estimates the combined population to being closer to 155,371 persons, approximately 4% of Queensland's population. Based on the Census data's population figure for 2001, 5.1% of the population within Townsville Thuringowa identified as being of Indigenous descent.
The three highest categories for distribution of workforce in employment are retail trade (15.4%), Government administration and defence (11.5%) and health and community services (10.4%). The largest occupational groups within Townsville are the clerical, sales and services workers (30.8%) and professionals / associate professionals (28.0%).
Townsville is considered a major hub within the region and has been affectionately gifted the title of 'Capital of North Queensland by locals'. It is considered a base for a number of key State and Commonwealth Departments, primary and secondary industries, mining, retail and service industries.
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© The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2008.
