Population – it's all in the numbers

April 15, 2025

I am seeing an imbalance in articles extolling the virtues of immigration to Australia. There is no doubt that we benefit in so many ways, culturally, socially, via innovation, investment and economically. However, there appears to be little consideration of the cost of an increasing population. The question is, what is the right number and mix?

World population growth is the single biggest contributor to greenhouse gasses and global heating. Growing populations encroach on prime agricultural land, they require more water and energy. They displace wildlife and reduce the areas available for outdoor recreation. Growing populations require a massive investment in new housing, transport infrastructure, schools, hospitals, sewerage systems, playing fields etc.

Water shortages in Australia are already becoming chronic. We are kidding ourselves if we believe that the rapid increase in population in Australia has not contributed to the so-called housing shortage. We cannot claim that it is only a supply-side problem.

It is not just about immigration, it is about numbers, worldwide and in Australia. As Abul Rizvi pointed out, we need a plan. A proper plan and hopefully one that does not commence with the assumption that all immigration is good.