publication

38 OECD countries with a population over 10 mil- lion are considered, it is the country with the highest rate of population increase. The four cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are expected to grow by 5.8 million, increasing their population from 12.8 million in 2011 to 18.6 million in 2013. While this population growth is required for the economy to expand, it is essential that urban infrastructure keep pace so that the quality of life in Australian cities is maintained. The UDIA has specifically raised the issue of providing ad- equate transport facilities in the country’s cit- ies. The Australian Infrastructure report states that this key area can prove to be a significant bottleneck in the development and growth of the country’s economy. The report points out that in 2011 the cost of delays on roads in the six largest capital cit- ies was to the tune of $13.7 billion. If adequate steps are not taken it is expected that the cost of delays could escalate to $53.3 billion by 2031. It is also expected that the demand for public transport will double by 2031. In these circumstances, it is imperative that the government take up infrastructure projects to prevent Australian cities from slipping into a