But then there's this little dilemma: (NOTE: the last paragraph, "projected 111 per cent increase in people aged over 65 between now and 2036.")
(from SBS)
Sydney population 'to rise by 40%' Monday, 20 October, 2008
Sydney's population is expected to hit nearly six million by 2036 (SBS)
An increase in fertility and greater life expectancy is driving NSW's population boom.
Data released today by NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally indicates that by 2036, there will be around nine million people in NSW, 2.5 million more than today.
Sydney's population is projected to increase from 4.28 million today to 5.98 million by 2036.
Ms Keneally told reporters today three fifths of the growth across the state would be driven by births outnumbering deaths, and two fifths by migration.
"So what we are seeing is an increase in the fertility rate," she says.
"Three quarters of the state's projected growth will occur in Sydney and 70 per cent of that growth will be driven by people giving birth," she says.
The forecast is different from projections the state made in 2005 of reduced fertility.
"We haven't seen a fertility drop, but women having children later," Ms Keneally says.
Data released today also indicated significant increases in life expectancy in men and women between now and 2036.
The report, NSW and Regional Population Projections, 2006-2036, indicates the life expectancy of men will increase from 79.1 years in 2006-2007 to 85.6 by 2035-2036.
Life expectancy for women will increase from 84 years in 2006-2007 to 89.1 by 2035-2036.
Ms Keneally says people would be encouraged to stay in the workforce longer, to benefit their physical and financial health, so that hospitals would not be burdened by the health problems of the projected 111 per cent increase in people aged over 65 between now and 2036.
