National Sentiment Towards Population Growth in Australian Towns and Cities

Accommodating future population growth is one of the biggest global challenges facing urban planning and design. The national population of Australia is projected to double by 2101, while community support for growth is far from unanimous. This paper reports on a national survey of sentiment towards population growth, specifically within respondents’ hometowns or cities. The survey reveals that most respondents supported population growth. However, quantitative and qualitative analyses lead to more nuanced findings, highlighting vital statistical differences in attitudes between geographic cohorts and concerns about future growth. The main drivers of resistance and factors that support population growth within urban and rural communities are highlighted with implications for more responsive urban planning and design strategies.