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 Queensland
is Australia's second largest state. With an area
of more than 1.7 million square kilometres, Queensland
covers more than a quarter of Australia. It is more
than 7 times the size of the United Kingdom, more
than 4 1/2 times the size of Japan, around 6 1/2 times
the size of New Zealand and 2 1/2 times the size of
Texas. Yet, it is comparatively
uncrowded with a population of just over 3 million.
Brisbane,
with an area of 1,220 sq km and a population of 1.6
million, is the State capital of Queensland and the
3rd largest city in Australia.
There
are a number of challenges in the provision of dementia-related
services to Queenslanders. These include:
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The
size, number and diversity of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities compared
to other States
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The highly decentralised and regionalised nature
of Queensland's population compared to other
Australian States. Queensland is the only State
in Australia where more people live outside
of the metropolitan area than in it.
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The
continuing, strongest population growth of any
State and the inherent dislocation from established
support systems for new residents. Due to the
climate and lifestyle that Queensland offers,
many Australian retirees make Queensland their
home
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The
long-term impact of drought and rural decline
on rural and remote families and communities,
and their diminished ability and resources to
care for people with dementia
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The
size of the State and the cost of communication,
travel and transportation
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The
impact of seasonal and varying climate zones
on the isolation of small and regional communities,
particularly islands of the Torres Strait, and
the unique challenges faced in providing services
and supporting these communities
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