With Australia's population fast approaching 23.5 million people, the question of sustainability and how many people Australia can allow to live comfortably without significant damage to the The surrounding environment is extremely important. There is a widespread misconception that Australia is underpopulated and has plenty of space to accommodate the world's growing population. With much of Australia's landmass arid and inhospitable, the search for available land and resources to accommodate a growing population is placing enormous pressure on the Australian environment. Australia's population growth consists of two main components; births less deaths and net migration. While Australia's birth rate stands at 1.9, lower than the 2.1 needed to replace an aging population, our expanding population comes from overseas immigration which accounts for around 60% of our growth (Department of Immigration and Border Protection). The total migration rate is currently pegged at 210,000 people per year, meaning Australia's population is rapidly increasing. This poses an important discussion about the impact of such an increase and whether there is a specific number that constitutes a sustainable Australia in terms of population. The problems that can occur due to overpopulation are large and varied. These include and are not limited to; resource shortages, social conflict, overcrowding, pollution, loss of habitat and biodiversity and lowering of national health standards. The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has made arguments against increasing the population due to the predicted environmental damage we would face as a result. This essay outlines some of the major problems associated with an unfettered population.Resou......middle of paper......I believe the push for a "greater Australia" is perpetuated by big corporations and the wealthy capitalists who have their own interests at heart and are the only ones who benefit from a rapidly growing population. I do not believe that a higher population rate equates to beneficial economic growth due to the various costs associated with such rapid growth. In addition to the issues outlined above, other impacts include a higher crime rate, a reduction in open spaces impacting mental health and social tensions, and the costs of cleaning up environmental disasters. Balancing the size of Australia's population with renewable resources is the only way to ensure the survival of a healthy ecosystem and a good quality of life within our communities. By increasing the number of refugees and humanitarian placements, Australia would fulfill its moral obligations and remain a diverse nation.