Liveability is defined as the “degree to which a place… supports quality of life, health and wellbeing for the people who live, work or visit” (Infrastructure Australia 2010, p. 1). As Australia’s population continues to grow, more residents are moving from the countryside to the cities because of the better living standards. Thus, the aspects of liveability have been affected. It has been argued that the growth of population in Australian cities has led to a more diverse city, however, it has also given rise to increased congestion and results in pressures on housing costs, affecting liveability adversely. This essay will outline the consequences of population growth which has impacted Australia’s liveability negatively such as decreased…show more content… Clearly, cities in Australia with a larger population are made up of a larger variety of ethnic groups as compared to smaller populations. For instance, in 2011, Sydney has an estimate of 250 ethnic groups with relative to its population, being the most diverse city in Australia. While, Albury-Wodonga (has the smallest population of Australia’s cities) has about 120 ethnic groups as of 2011 (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], cited in University of Canberra 2013, p. 30). This suggests that the diversity of different ethnic groups is likely to increase Australians’ exposure to different cultures. Hence, harnessing the differences between races and religion and having a better understand of one another’s cultures and beliefs. Additionally, a factor of population growth is immigration in which new immigrants settling into Australia are able to adapt better to a diverse culture because they are able to relate to residents who have similar ethnic backgrounds (Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission [VCEC] 2008, p. 70). As such, increasing the community’s well-being and the degree of liveability. Moreover, different ethnic groups have led to cultural diversity which “…builds on strong understanding and trust.. (increasing a) …sense of identity and cohesion…” (West & Badham 2008, p. 13). In other words, Australia’s growing population has aided in creating a multi-cultural society which plays a role in improving the nation’s liveability by strengthening the relationship between
