On the day that Australia undertakes its national census The University of Queensland (UQ) will be performing its own head count.
On Tuesday, August 9, the Queensland Centre for Population Research (QCPR), based in UQ’s School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, will be measuring UQ’s St Lucia campus population.
“UQ is one of the largest traffic producers in Brisbane, second only to the CBD and probably on par with Brisbane airport,” QCPR Director, Professor Martin Bell said.
“It is important for the University to know how many people are on campus at any one time and how they are getting there, so it can work with local authorities to ensure that services like public transport are adequate.”
The numbers obtained in the 2011 UQ population census will also be used to ensure UQ is well equipped to handle events and emergencies, and plan for future development.
A number of geography students will assist QCPR researchers on the project.
“Providing our students with practical experience in the field is an important part of all our programs,” Professor Bell said.
“From this experience students will be able to gain an understanding of the intricacies involved in collecting and analysing data.”
Traffic counters and an online survey to staff and students will also be used to obtain the most accurate figure possible.
The last UQ population census was undertaken in 2002. Since then the Eleanor Schonell Bridge has been built to accommodate buses from the eastern side of Brisbane to access the campus.
“It will be interesting to see if the bridge has resulted in an increase in people using public transport to access UQ,” Professor Bell said.
To mark the UQ population census QCPR and The School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management will be running a Twitter competition.
Simply send your guess of how many people will be on UQ’s St Lucia campus at noon on August 9 with #uqpopcensus to the @uq_gpem account to enter.
The person whose answer is closest to the results of the QCPR survey will receive a Amazon voucher. You must be a follower of @uq_gpem at the time of the draw to be eligible for the prize.
Entries close on August 19, 2011. Results will be drawn on September 8, 2011. To view entry conditions visit www.gpem.uq.edu.au/uqpopcensus
