A new report released today by the Planning Institute of Australia is calling on the Federal Government to commit to a National Plan for Australia’s Growth.
A damning new report reveals Australia’s booming population growth is happening without any national plan, warning current growth patterns could cost the economy billions of dollars.
A new report released today by the Planning Institute of Australia is calling on the Federal Government to commit to a National Plan for Australia’s Growth, warning that without better co-ordination, Australians will continue to face rising housing pressures, longer commutes, and increasing exposure to natural disasters.
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The report revealed Australia’s population was projected to grow by more than 14 million people over the next four decades.
“Right now, decisions about housing, infrastructure and population aren’t joined up, and that’s one of the reasons why people are feeling the pressure in their day-to-day lives,” said Emma Riley RPIA (Fellow), national president of the Planning Institute of Australia.
“When growth isn’t planned well, people pay for it through higher house prices and rents, more time stuck in traffic, and overcrowded services and infrastructure.”
The report revealed Australia’s population was projected to grow by more than 14 million people over the next four decades, reaching more than 40 million by 2065.
“Investing in good planning isn’t abstract, it’s about making everyday life easier and more affordable,” Ms Riley said.
“Regardless of the pace of growth, the focus must be on planning so Australia grows well.”
A National Plan for Australia’s Growth would bring together decisions that are currently made separately, including housing, infrastructure, population growth and economic development, into a co-ordinated, long-term framework.
The report revealed when growth is planned well, it delivers more homes in well-serviced areas, shorter, easier commutes, infrastructure when communities need it, and more real choice about where to live and work.
“This is about making sure growth leads to better communities, not bigger pressures on households,” Ms Riley said.
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A National Plan for Australia’s Growth would bring together decisions that are currently made separately, including housing, infrastructure, population growth and economic development, into a co-ordinated, long-term framework.
It would not direct where people live, but ensure governments are planning for growth in a way that supports housing supply, infrastructure delivery and economic opportunity.
The report explored five potential scenarios for how Australia could grow over the next 40 years.
“These aren’t abstract futures, they’re happening in different ways right now.
“The choice is whether we get ahead of them, or keep reacting after the fact,” Ms Riley said
These 5 scenarios for future growth include:
1. Metropolitan mega regions
Australia’s largest cities continue to dominate population and economic growth, with Sydney and Melbourne each projected to approach eight million people by mid-century.
Sydney’s growth is extending into Greater Western Sydney, while Melbourne continues to expand across its western and northern growth corridors.
At the same time, regional cities adjoining capital cities like the Sunshine Coast, Geelong and Wollongong are becoming increasingly tied to these metropolitan economies.
A national plan would help manage this reality, ensuring housing supply, transport infrastructure and employment precincts are aligned across these broader city-regions.
2. Connected city regions
Faster transport connections, such as high-speed rail, have the potential to reshape how Australians live and work by linking major cities with surrounding regional centres.
A national plan would ensure these major infrastructure investments are not made in isolation. Instead, housing development, jobs and services would be planned alongside transport, turning infrastructure corridors into genuine economic hubs.
A national plan would help ensure new cities are supported by transport, jobs, education and health infrastructure.
3. New cities strategy
Australia has a history of successfully creating new cities and growth centres, but only when planning and investment are aligned.
However, without co-ordination, new developments risk becoming dormitory suburbs, places people sleep but don’t work.
A national plan would help ensure new cities are supported by transport, jobs, education and health infrastructure from the outset, creating complete, productive communities rather than car-dependent sprawl.
Aerial view of Townsville’s CBD.
4. Regional network growth
Regional Australia has significant untapped potential, but growth is uneven, cyclical, and often dependent on proximity to major cities.
Regional cities like Townsville, Cairns, Ballarat and Bendigo have the foundations for stronger growth, including established communities, services and economic activity.
A national plan would take a more deliberate approach by identifying which regional centres have the greatest long-term potential and aligning infrastructure, housing and economic development to support them. This would strengthen regional economies while easing growth pressure on major cities.
An aerial view of a tightly packed new housing estate in Perth. Source: B1 Housing/Facebook. NSW real estate.
5. Climate-resilient growth
A national plan would ensure future growth is less exposed to climate risk by directing new housing and infrastructure toward safer locations and reducing exposure to natural hazards. This is about avoiding billions of dollars in future recovery costs and building more resilient communities from the outset.
The Planning Institute of Australia is calling on the Federal Government to build on the National Urban Policy released in 2024 and commit to developing a National Plan for Australia’s growth.
“A co-ordinated national plan will help ensure we deliver more liveable places, stronger economies and a better quality of life for Australians,” Ms Riley said.
