The birth rate has bounced back since a brief decline during the pandemic.

Ongoing lockdowns and uncertain futures had many families holding off on plans to have a baby.

The fertility rate hit its lowest point in 15 years during the December quarter in 2020, when the number of babies being born fell by 3,000-71,000.

New data from the federal government’s Centre for Population shows COVID’s impact on child-rearing was short lived.

In 2021, there were more than 300,000 births registered, a five per cent increase on the year prior.

The boost to the fertility rate puts the country on course to reach a population of 39 million by 2060.