20,000,000 3/12/03
#1
20,000,000 3/12/03
A very special number
By Farah Farouque
Social Affairs Editor
December 4, 2003
Australia's population will reach 20 million today. Calculated by a mathematical projection using the 2001 census, he or she could be a baby born from midnight, a migrant or a returning expatriate.
Precision, in this case, is not required by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which is offering certificates to any baby born until midnight tomorrow.
"We don't have a team of people using abacuses working on this," says the bureau's director of demography Patrick Corr.
The future, demographically speaking, looks rather different to what preceded it.
Australia has already fundamentally changed in the post-war years. Nearly a quarter of the population was born overseas, according to the census.
In metropolitan Melbourne alone, 8 per cent of the population is now Asian-born.
"It's a very significant transformation," notes demographer Bob Birrell.
With an ageing population and Australia's fertility rate at 1.75 children per woman - replacement levels require just over two births - the migrant intake, rather than home-grown mothers, loom as the key to future growth.
In the absence of migration at present levels, around 100,000 a year, Dr Birrell says that in 30 years deaths will exceed births.
The bureau predicts that by 2051 there will be 26 million Australians. Business groups would like to see a bigger expansion to 40 to 50 million by mid-century. Conversely, green groups say we can't afford that kind of pressure on the environment and water resources.
Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone declines to talk of an optimum number. "A number of people say we should set a population target but I think that's not either necessary or appropriate because that is just a number - a hollow shell," she said yesterday.
"Those of us who are fans of immigration need to bear in mind that those of us with good jobs, with education and with skills don't feel at risk by immigration. But those people who don't have an extensive post-secondary education, who haven't got a trade skill and who might be working in an industry that is in decline, do feel at risk."
OzTennis
By Farah Farouque
Social Affairs Editor
December 4, 2003
Australia's population will reach 20 million today. Calculated by a mathematical projection using the 2001 census, he or she could be a baby born from midnight, a migrant or a returning expatriate.
Precision, in this case, is not required by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which is offering certificates to any baby born until midnight tomorrow.
"We don't have a team of people using abacuses working on this," says the bureau's director of demography Patrick Corr.
The future, demographically speaking, looks rather different to what preceded it.
Australia has already fundamentally changed in the post-war years. Nearly a quarter of the population was born overseas, according to the census.
In metropolitan Melbourne alone, 8 per cent of the population is now Asian-born.
"It's a very significant transformation," notes demographer Bob Birrell.
With an ageing population and Australia's fertility rate at 1.75 children per woman - replacement levels require just over two births - the migrant intake, rather than home-grown mothers, loom as the key to future growth.
In the absence of migration at present levels, around 100,000 a year, Dr Birrell says that in 30 years deaths will exceed births.
The bureau predicts that by 2051 there will be 26 million Australians. Business groups would like to see a bigger expansion to 40 to 50 million by mid-century. Conversely, green groups say we can't afford that kind of pressure on the environment and water resources.
Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone declines to talk of an optimum number. "A number of people say we should set a population target but I think that's not either necessary or appropriate because that is just a number - a hollow shell," she said yesterday.
"Those of us who are fans of immigration need to bear in mind that those of us with good jobs, with education and with skills don't feel at risk by immigration. But those people who don't have an extensive post-secondary education, who haven't got a trade skill and who might be working in an industry that is in decline, do feel at risk."
OzTennis
#3
Very interesting, thanks!
I was just wondering/realizing, I'm a citizen, but not a resident, so I'll be considered a returning expatriate, right, or not?
I agree about not having a population target. It does seem very unnecessary and unappropriate. And you'd never be able to agree on a number anyway, there are so many arguments for reasons to make it high, and reasons to make it low.
I was just wondering/realizing, I'm a citizen, but not a resident, so I'll be considered a returning expatriate, right, or not?
I agree about not having a population target. It does seem very unnecessary and unappropriate. And you'd never be able to agree on a number anyway, there are so many arguments for reasons to make it high, and reasons to make it low.
#4
Originally posted by OzTennis
Wrong date in heading!
OzTennis
Wrong date in heading!
OzTennis
#5
Wonder what Australia will be like when the business groups get their 40-50 million economic units of production???
Welcome to Wallaby Shire
Water Restrictions Apply
Odd numbered residences:
(a) Untreated water may be used for any purpose, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM and 5:20 PM - 5:30 PM.
(b) Treated water can be used only for drinking purposes, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:05 AM and 5:25 PM - 5:30 PM.
(c) The use of water on Fridays is strictly forbidden.
Even numbered residences:
(a) Untreated water may be used for any purpose, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM and 5:20 PM - 5:30 PM.
(b) Treated water can be used only for drinking purposes, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:05 AM and 5:25 PM - 5:30 PM.
(c) The use of water on Fridays is strictly forbidden.
Welcome to Wallaby Shire
Water Restrictions Apply
Odd numbered residences:
(a) Untreated water may be used for any purpose, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM and 5:20 PM - 5:30 PM.
(b) Treated water can be used only for drinking purposes, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:05 AM and 5:25 PM - 5:30 PM.
(c) The use of water on Fridays is strictly forbidden.
Even numbered residences:
(a) Untreated water may be used for any purpose, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM and 5:20 PM - 5:30 PM.
(b) Treated water can be used only for drinking purposes, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:05 AM and 5:25 PM - 5:30 PM.
(c) The use of water on Fridays is strictly forbidden.
#6
Originally posted by Florida_03
Wonder what Australia will be like when the business groups get their 40-50 million economic units of production???
Welcome to Wallaby Shire
Water Restrictions Apply
Odd numbered residences:
(a) Untreated water may be used for any purpose, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM and 5:20 PM - 5:30 PM.
(b) Treated water can be used only for drinking purposes, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:05 AM and 5:25 PM - 5:30 PM.
(c) The use of water on Fridays is strictly forbidden.
Even numbered residences:
(a) Untreated water may be used for any purpose, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM and 5:20 PM - 5:30 PM.
(b) Treated water can be used only for drinking purposes, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:05 AM and 5:25 PM - 5:30 PM.
(c) The use of water on Fridays is strictly forbidden.
Wonder what Australia will be like when the business groups get their 40-50 million economic units of production???
Welcome to Wallaby Shire
Water Restrictions Apply
Odd numbered residences:
(a) Untreated water may be used for any purpose, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM and 5:20 PM - 5:30 PM.
(b) Treated water can be used only for drinking purposes, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:05 AM and 5:25 PM - 5:30 PM.
(c) The use of water on Fridays is strictly forbidden.
Even numbered residences:
(a) Untreated water may be used for any purpose, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM and 5:20 PM - 5:30 PM.
(b) Treated water can be used only for drinking purposes, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays between the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:05 AM and 5:25 PM - 5:30 PM.
(c) The use of water on Fridays is strictly forbidden.
OzTennis
#7
Originally posted by OzTennis
Eh???? Do you mean there won't be enough water for a bigger population?
OzTennis
Eh???? Do you mean there won't be enough water for a bigger population?
OzTennis
Australians NOW have to live with reduced water. I can only imagine that population increases will exacerbate an already worrying situation.
Learn to live with less water.
Last edited by Florida_03; Dec 3rd 2003 at 2:05 pm.
#8
Originally posted by Florida_03
I mean there is not enough treated water for the present population considering the present infrastructure, planned investment, climatic conditions, and present usage patterns.
Australians NOW have to live with reduced water. I can only imagine that population increases will exacerbate an already worrying situation.
Learn to live with less water.
I mean there is not enough treated water for the present population considering the present infrastructure, planned investment, climatic conditions, and present usage patterns.
Australians NOW have to live with reduced water. I can only imagine that population increases will exacerbate an already worrying situation.
Learn to live with less water.
OzTennis
#9
(Jon) returning to NZ 04
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 816
it'll be okay, water will become the new oil, and aus will team up Bush junior's junior and melt antarctica....
you mark my words....
you mark my words....
#10
Banned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,432
A great sense of loss and only a little expectation.
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Gordon Lightfoot.
There was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run
When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun
Long before the white man and long before the wheel
When the green dark forest was too silent to be real
But time has no beginnings and hist’ry has no bounds
As to this verdant country they came from all around
They sailed upon her waterways and they walked the forests tall
And they built the mines the mills and the factories for the good of us all
And when the young man’s fancy was turnin’ to the spring
The railroad men grew restless for to hear the hammers ring
Their minds were overflowing with the visions of their day
And many a fortune lost and won and many a debt to pay
For they looked in the future and what did they see
They saw an iron road runnin’ from sea to the sea
Bringin’ the goods to a young growin’ land
All up through the seaports and into their hands
Look away said they across this mighty land
From the eastern shore to the western strand
Bring in the workers and bring up the rails
We gotta lay down the tracks and tear up the trails
Open ’er heart let the life blood flow
Gotta get on our way ’cause we’re movin’ too slow
Bring in the workers and bring up the rails
We’re gonna lay down the tracks and tear up the trails
Open ’er heart let the life blood flow
Gotta get on our way ’cause we’re movin’ too slow
Get on our way ’cause we’re movin’ too slow
Behind the blue rockies the sun is declinin’
The stars, they come stealin’ at the close of the day
Across the wide prairie our loved ones lie sleeping
Beyond the dark oceans in a place far away
We are the navvies who work upon the railway
Swingin’ our hammers in the bright blazin’ sun
Livin’ on stew and drinkin’ bad whiskey
Bendin’ our old backs ’til the long days are done
We are the navvies who work upon the railway
Swingin’ our hammers in the bright blazin’ sun
Layin’ down track and buildin’ the bridges
Bendin’ our old backs ’til the railroad is done
So over the mountains and over the plains
Into the muskeg and into the rain
Up the st. lawrence all the way to gaspe
Swingin’ our hammers and drawin’ our pay
Drivin’ ’em in and tyin’ ’em down
Away to the bunkhouse and into the town
A dollar a day and a place for my head
A drink to the livin’ and a toast to the dead
Oh the song of the future has been sung
All the battles have been won
O’er the mountain tops we stand
All the world at our command
We have opened up the soil
With our teardrops and our toil
For there was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run
When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun
Long before the white man and long before the wheel
When the green dark forest was too silent to be real
When the green dark forest was too silent to be real
And many are the dead men too silent to be real
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
Gordon Lightfoot.
There was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run
When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun
Long before the white man and long before the wheel
When the green dark forest was too silent to be real
But time has no beginnings and hist’ry has no bounds
As to this verdant country they came from all around
They sailed upon her waterways and they walked the forests tall
And they built the mines the mills and the factories for the good of us all
And when the young man’s fancy was turnin’ to the spring
The railroad men grew restless for to hear the hammers ring
Their minds were overflowing with the visions of their day
And many a fortune lost and won and many a debt to pay
For they looked in the future and what did they see
They saw an iron road runnin’ from sea to the sea
Bringin’ the goods to a young growin’ land
All up through the seaports and into their hands
Look away said they across this mighty land
From the eastern shore to the western strand
Bring in the workers and bring up the rails
We gotta lay down the tracks and tear up the trails
Open ’er heart let the life blood flow
Gotta get on our way ’cause we’re movin’ too slow
Bring in the workers and bring up the rails
We’re gonna lay down the tracks and tear up the trails
Open ’er heart let the life blood flow
Gotta get on our way ’cause we’re movin’ too slow
Get on our way ’cause we’re movin’ too slow
Behind the blue rockies the sun is declinin’
The stars, they come stealin’ at the close of the day
Across the wide prairie our loved ones lie sleeping
Beyond the dark oceans in a place far away
We are the navvies who work upon the railway
Swingin’ our hammers in the bright blazin’ sun
Livin’ on stew and drinkin’ bad whiskey
Bendin’ our old backs ’til the long days are done
We are the navvies who work upon the railway
Swingin’ our hammers in the bright blazin’ sun
Layin’ down track and buildin’ the bridges
Bendin’ our old backs ’til the railroad is done
So over the mountains and over the plains
Into the muskeg and into the rain
Up the st. lawrence all the way to gaspe
Swingin’ our hammers and drawin’ our pay
Drivin’ ’em in and tyin’ ’em down
Away to the bunkhouse and into the town
A dollar a day and a place for my head
A drink to the livin’ and a toast to the dead
Oh the song of the future has been sung
All the battles have been won
O’er the mountain tops we stand
All the world at our command
We have opened up the soil
With our teardrops and our toil
For there was a time in this fair land when the railroad did not run
When the wild majestic mountains stood alone against the sun
Long before the white man and long before the wheel
When the green dark forest was too silent to be real
When the green dark forest was too silent to be real
And many are the dead men too silent to be real
Canadian Railroad Trilogy
#11
Originally posted by jandjuk
it'll be okay, water will become the new oil, and aus will team up Bush junior's junior and melt antarctica....
you mark my words....
it'll be okay, water will become the new oil, and aus will team up Bush junior's junior and melt antarctica....
you mark my words....
OzTennis
Antartica by Midnight Oil - from the album "Blue Sky Mining"
I'm a snow plough, I must now plow on, I'm a snow plough, I'm a settlers son
I'm a storm cloud, rain myself all over the place
I'm a storm cloud, gonna wipe that smile right off your face
There must be one place left in the world
Where the mountains meet the sea
There must be one place left in the world
Where the water's real and clean
I'm a landslide, I'm a downhill run, I'm a landslide, open season's just begun
There must be one place left in the world
Where the skin says it can breathe
There gotta be one place left in the world
It's a solitude of distance and relief
There gotta be one place left in the world
I'm a short fuse, I'm a slow blues
I'm a landslide humming, I'm a downhill running
There must be one place left in the world, where we can be
(Moginie/Hirst/Rotsey/Garrett)