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JOBS are bringing people to Warrnambool at almost twice the state average growth rate and more than three times the regional figure. But the expansion is coming at a cost. As the estimated population nudges 33,380 the city’s housing shortage — particularly in the rental sector — is getting worse. In the past four years the number of new jobs in the city rose by 3.4 per cent, compared with a two per cent average for the state and 0.9 per cent for regions, the city council was told last night. City chief executive Bruce Anson described the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures as “colossal”. “It shows that most of our population growth in recent years is coming from new jobs, which would be mainly in the service and construction sectors,” he said. “We had about 580 new residents and about 430 of those were involved with new jobs. “Many of them live in Warrnambool and work outside the city.” The growth has far exceeded forecast targets. Ten years ago the population was tipped to reach 32,500 by 2030. That target was reached three years ago and the 2030 forecast population has been expanded to 50,000. Last night’s report to the council showed the estimated population at June 30, 2009, was 33,374, up by 1.8 per cent, equal to Bendigo and only 0.1 per cent below Ballarat. The number of employed people in Warrnambool at the end of the March quarter rose by 0.8 per cent from the December quarter to 16,582 while the unemployment rate fell 0.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent or 959 people. The unemployment rate is slightly below state and regional rates. Mr Anson said the challenge was to plan well for the future and manage growth. He said state and federal governments had been asked to help address the housing shortage. “It’s not an easy fix,” Mr Anson said. “In the next couple of weeks we will be making a fresh focus on housing. “The mayor and I recently were in Canberra where we raised the issue with Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek.” Cr Jacinta Ermacora described housing as “the big elephant in the room”. “Our population growth is good for Warrnambool, but raises big challenges like more traffic, greater competition for housing and higher living costs,” she said. “It’s important to protect our city’s unique heritage.” The Standard has recently reported soaring rental rates and public housing waiting lists.