Australia has the fastest population growth of major developed countries, and projections show a reduced infrastructure spend per capita, putting huge pressure on major cities.

“Since the 2000 Olympics the population of Australia has grown by 25 per cent. In fact, since the Sydney Olympics, Australia’s population has grown more than the entire population of Sydney at that time,” Australia Institute Executive Director, Richard Denniss said.

“The upcoming NSW election has seen no real acknowledgement of the extent of population growth and the infrastructure promises fail to even keep up with numbers.

“Announcements of big new infrastructure spending in Sydney need to be put in the context of the population growth – because if you factor that in, it equates to a cut in services.

“There has been big increase in migration over the past decade. We’re now adding 400,000 people – more than a new Canberra, every year.

“In absolute numbers, we’re significantly outpacing the migration levels of the ‘populate or perish’ era of the 1950’s and 60’s.

The new report from The Australia Institute, Population Growth in Australia, reveals:

·         Population growth rate has increased above historic trends, largely due to immigration.

·         The ABS predicts population will be around 40 million in 2061 and up to 70 million by 2101.

·         Almost all of these people will live in major cities.

·         Australia has the fastest population growth of major developed countries.

·         Despite rapid population growth, discussion around population policy and planning is almost non-existent.

“The next NSW Government is going to have to face up to the fact that the state is expected to add half a million people this term.

“That means building the equivalent of another Newcastle – every street and lamp post, every house, every building, buy every bus, plant every tree – all in four years.

“Mike Baird and Luke Foley have both claimed they want to deal with congestion. But without an acknowledgement of the extent of population growth in contrast with infrastructure spending – both are essentially promising a reduction of services and an increase in congestion,” Dr Denniss said.