STAFF REPORTER

Latest population projections for Western Australia show the state will probably bust through the 3 million population barrier in less than 14 years.

State planning minister John Day today said that by 2026, WA’s population was projected to grow to 3,061,000 with the Perth and the Peel region projected to be between 2,275,000 and 2,356,000.

The statewide figure is about 400,000 higher than a previous projection made in 2006.

In June 2011, the state’s population was 2,346,400.

Mr Day contended the new projections for Perth illustrated the need for projects like the budget-blowing Northbridge Link and controversial Perth Waterfront.

“There is no doubt that we need these projects to help meet the needs of our growing city just as we need to continue to encourage the provision of a diversity of housing options and choices across Perth,” he claimed.