Population sustainability

Summary

The federal government has recently appointed its first population minister amid extensive public debate over how to respond to rapid growth in Australia¿s current birth rate, population ageing, and a projected increase from 22 million to 36 million people by 2050. Current trends and policies involving population growth will have a major impact on Australia¿s future sustainability and quality of life. This book features statistical projections for Australia¿s population size and presents a wide range of viewpoints in the population debate. Issues include the skills shortage and employment, immigration intake levels and cultural diversity, environmental sustainability and water management, government service delivery, urban congestion and infrastructure capacity, the cost of housing, and the potential economic growth benefits. Do we want or need a `big Australia¿? Is bigger better, or does growth come at too great a cost? Chapter 1: Population Growth in Australia Chapter 2: The Population Debate Glossary; Fast facts; Web links; Index