Queenslanders urged to kick Census goals

Queenslanders are being urged to be in fine form on Census night, with federal funding on the line for the state.

Census night may not be as exciting as State of Origin night, but there's still plenty at stake for Queensland.

In fact, the penalties will be great if Queenslanders aren't in fine form on Tuesday night.

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt wants everyone to tackle the national census to ensure the state receives its fair share of funding.

An accurate census, he said, would ensure Queenslanders got their fair share of federal funds, especially under programs where money was allocated on a per capita basis.

"There is a lot at stake for our state and its future," Mr Pitt said.

"Each person not counted in our state is estimated to cost us around $5300 in federal funds, so for every 1000 not counted we could lose out on $5.3 million and 10,000 not counted means a possible $53 million we let slip through our fingers."

Mr Pitt has estimated the state was dudded some $400 million in federal government funding following the 2011 census.

About 150,000 more households will be taking part in the national census in Queensland than in 2011.

Anyone not filling out the Census could face a fine of $180 per day.

QUEENSLAND HIGHLIGHTS IN THE 2011 CENSUS:

* Third most populous state in Australia

* 4,333,739 people - 2,184,518 females, 2,148,221 males

* 13.1 per cent aged over 65, 20.2 per cent aged under 14

* Median age of 36

* Religion: Catholicism 23.8 per cent, No Religion 22.1 per cent, Anglican 18.9 per cent

* Couple families with children made up 42.8 per cent of households, while 39.5 per cent of couples had no children

* Average number of children per family was 1.9


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Source: AAP


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