The ABS long-term Australian population projections are for 48m (high) or 36m (low) in 2061; and 70m (high) or 42m (low) in 2101. All are a large increase on the present population of 24m. Where and how will people live?
IA has proposed far higher densification of Melbourne and Sydney in its 3 scenarios. There is a 4th scenario: distribute 10m of the 24m population increase in several new regional, lower density cities of +1m, or a few of the acknowledged ideal size cities of 2-3m on the High Speed Rail line between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Commuters would be in major CBDs in less than an hour by HSR.
This would create a powerful Australian mega-region in competition with the mega-regions that are the leading innovation, production and prosperity power-houses in the world. It would be one of the few in Asia.
An east coast mega-region would retain Australia’s world leading liveability and prosperity. It would be preferable to the IA’s vision for two isolated, uncoordinated cities of +8m, where liveability is reduced to the level of London (8m) and its world liveability ranking of 53. PJK©24.2.18
A Bigger Vision (Shorter version)
IA has proposed far higher densification of Melbourne and Sydney in its 3 scenarios. There is a 4th scenario: distribute 10m of the 24m population increase in several new regional, lower density cities of +1m, or a few of the acknowledged ideal size cities of 2-3m on the High Speed Rail line between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Commuters would be in major CBDs in less than an hour by HSR.
This would create a powerful Australian mega-region in competition with the 18 mega-regions that are the leading innovation, production and prosperity power-houses in the world. It would be one of the few in Asia.
PJK©24.2.18 (110 words)
