Australia recorded average annual population growth of approximately 1.5% per annum between 2001 and 2018. Greater Capital Cities consistently experience high population growth, whilst regional areas experience significant volatility as their population growth is centred around resource industry activity. Greater Brisbane and Greater Melbourne experienced the fastest rates of population growth in the nation between 2001 and 2018, recording growth of 2.2% and 2.1% respectively.

Fast growing areas and high population density comes with more crowding, growing congestion, increased pollution, noise and elevated demand for health, housing and education services. However, the economic and productivity benefits should not be overlooked, including greater range and diversity of jobs, leisure and cultural activities.