The population growth of Australia is 2.5 times more than anticipated and at current rates, there will be around 38 million Australians by the middle of this century. has reported that Australia’s powering population growth, which is 30 years ahead of predictions, is the reason.
“If we’re wondering why our cities are groaning with insufficient infrastructure, it’s because the planners have been going off the wrong numbers,” social researcher Mark McCrindle said.
According to Mark McCrindle, Australia’s growth is now one of the highest in the developed world. Australia has added 390,000 people in the last twelve months.
The main reasons for this fast growth can be categorised into three parts – rising fertility rates, increased longevity and, most importantly, massive immigration.
In 2001, baby bonus was announced that saw an increase in birth rates. Soon after, the then treasurer Peter Costello implored parents to have ‘one for mum, one for dad and one for the country’ in 2004.
View from sky deck against white clouded sky. Source: Moment RF
The fertility rate also climbed from 1.7 to 2 and then dropped to 1.81, which is still above the highest predictions.
The average life expectancy was forecast to reach around 82 for men and 86 for women by 2051. However, the life expectancy is already at 81 and 85 respectively which means that it will surpass the predicted levels by 2051.
“But the major factor that has blown out previous population modelling has been the rise and rise of Australia’s net overseas migration,” Mr McCrindle said.
Australian Bureau of Statistics had estimated in 1998, that the number of new arrivals each year into the country will be between 70,000 to 90,000. However, 231,900 migrants came in to the country in the past 12 months.
As ABS had predicted 20 years ago, Victoria will become the second largest state of the country. However, Melbourne is likely to become the biggest city knocking Sydney to second place.
Although the increase in population has stimulated demand and as a result kept the economy going, yet, Mr McCrindle believes that without adequate planning and infrastructure, pressure could increase on health services and pensions which could damage the economy.
A national survey last month, commissioned by the Australian Population Research Institute, found 74 per cent thought the country did not need more people and 54 per cent wanted to cut migration.
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