"Population reform- Political challenges" Kelvin Thomson6

Australia's population is now rising at about 2% per annum. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced that our population could rise to 35 million by the middle of the century. Other experts estimate that 35 million is a conservative figure and it could be more like 40 million. It is certain that If the current growth rate continues, the population will double in 35 years. That means our population would be 44 million by 2045.

Australia's environment is under stress with 22 million people. Not enough water reaches the mouth of the Murray River to keep the lakes of the Coorong alive. In Victoria water restrictions prevail and a desalination plant is being built. This means there is not enough fresh water in the state for people's current needs.

Why are our political leaders so pleased about the level of population growth when it causes so many logistical and environmental problems?
A handful of politicians voice an opposing view to the prevailing glee about growth.
The Hon.Kelvin Thomson MHR for Wills is notable amongst these.

Kelvin Thomson speak on: "Population reform- Political challenges"
Sunday November 29th 2009. 3pm
North Melbourne Library (upstairs) 66 Errol Street, North Melbourne
Filmed by Dr. Andrew Melville-Smith. Sustainable Population Australia

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Population
• Sustainable
• Australia
• Kelvin
• Thomson
• Federal
• MHR
• Wills
• Melbourne
• Victoria
• Environment
• Reform
• Growth