Australians want Good Growth

A new survey of attitudes on population growth in our major cities has found the overwhelming majority of Australians believe growth can be good if it’s managed properly, despite their concerns about the rate of population growth in our major cities.

The online survey of 2,938 respondents was conducted by Essential Research between 13-23 November and included respondents in all state and territory capitals except Darwin.

Australians are overwhelmingly positive about the cities where they live – especially Canberrans – with 91% of Canberra respondents saying they thought their city was a good place to live (rated from ‘fairly good’ to ‘excellent’).  

Across Australia, of those surveyed, 59% believed Australia’s population was growing too fast although 24% thought Australia would be better off if it attracted more people. 77% of respondents thought the problems faced by growing cities often come down to governments failing to have planned properly.

In Canberra, results from the research showed:

• 86% of people agreed that the problems faced by growing cities often come down to governments failing to have planned properly.

• 83% of people agreed population growth is good as long as its properly planned. 

• 75% of people agreed that cities can sustain a larger population as long as they get the infrastructure right. 

• 76% of people agreed that good growth can create great places for people that are vibrant, easy to get to, affordable, a good place to live, and safe.

A full break down of the survey findings is available here.