MEDIA BRIEFING: Population plus: What can Australia sustain?

AusSMC — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 06:46:19 +0000

NATIONAL MEDIA BRIEFING: Thu 25 March at 11am AEDT in Brisbane (also online)

BRIEFING DETAILS:
DATE and TIME: Thu 25 March 2010 at 11am AEDT in Brisbane
DURATION: 68 min
VENUE: University of Queensland, St Lucia

Population growth is touted by many experts as the number one issue in Australia, the linchpin to many other issues such as water resources, energy consumption, an ageing workforce, greenhouse gas targets and economic growth. With Australia predicted to reach 35 million by 2050, how can we ensure that the economic benefits of this growth are not negated by excessive urban sprawl, strained infrastructure, environmental destruction and ultimately a lifestyle none of us would want?

With the Australian Bureau of Statistics due to release their latest quarterly population estimates this week and Anna Bligh calling an extraordinary public meeting on growth management, the Australian Science Media Centre decided to hold a national briefing in Brisbane to highlight what the evidence can tell us about population growth projections and impacts.

The briefing discussed the following issues:

–	Southeast Queensland is often considered the canary in the coal mine on many population issues. Prof Martin Bell from the University of Queensland will release a report on the issues and options for the future in this rapidly growing part of Australia.
–	35 million by 2050 is a common projection for Australia’s growth but is this realistic based on current data analysis?
–	Is 35 million people sustainable for Australia and how can we ensure adequate energy, water, health, housing and a healthy environment as people concentrate in coastal areas?
–	While the economic and social benefits of strong population growth are a focus for economists, the pitfalls of growth for the environment and sustainable resource use are of great concern to ecologists. Can these competing demands ever be reconciled? What will it take to reach consensus?

To follow the full click here (Webex)
Please note: Due to technical difficulties during the briefing, there is no audio between 12:06 – 16:46 on this presentation. For full audio, see the mp3s below.

SPEAKERS:

See bio note for all speakers

Professor Graeme Hugo, ARC Australian Professorial Fellow and Director, National Centre for Social Applications of GIS, University of Adelaide | Listen (mp3) | Graeme’s presentation (pdf) | Transcript (pdf)

Dr Graham Turner, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems | Listen (mp3) | Graham’s presentation (pdf) | Transcript (pdf)

Professor Martin Bell, Director, Queensland Centre for Population Research, University of Queensland | Listen (mp3) | Martin’s presentation (pdf) | Transcript (pdf)

Assoc Professor John Minnery, Director, Planning Program, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, University of Queensland | Listen (mp3) | John’s presentation (pdf) | Transcript (pdf)

Listen to the Q and A session (mp3)

For further information, please contact the AusSMC on 08 7120 8666 or email us.

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MEDIA BRIEFING: Population plus: What can Australia sustain?