The figures show the Rural City of Murray Bridge was the State’s third fastest growing council area outside of Adelaide in 2007-08.

The city’s population increased by 449 - or 2.4 per cent - bringing the population to 19,101.

Only Mount Barker and Victor Harbor recorded faster growth, with 2.9 per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively.

Murraylands Regional Development Board chief executive Brenton Lewis said the figures showed the city was on track to meet and exceed its growth targets.

“Murray Bridge and Mid Murray (council areas) have been providing increased jobs growth and along with that comes population growth,” he said.

Mr Lewis said he personally believed Murray Bridge’s population would reach 50,000 by 2025.

Predictions to date have indicated the city would grow to 30,000 in that period.

He said Murray Bridge council deserved credit for facilitating growth, despite the River Murray crisis and the global recession.

Mayor Allan Arbon said strong employment, cheaper land and proximity to Adelaide were making the city a more attractive place to live.

“The only big issue we have is the water issue,” he said.

“The main concern before we go into all this development is to make sure our water and Adelaide’s water is secure.”

Mayor Arbon said population growth would put pressure on Murray Bridge’s infrastructure, but the council and State Govern-ment had recognised the challenge.