Calls to limit population growth in Queensland are “nonsensical” and could result in “disastrous” social and economic impacts, according to the Property Council of Australia.
“Nowhere in the world is there evidence to show that attempts to limit population growth create good community outcomes”, Property Council Queensland executive director, Steve Greenwood, said.
“On the contrary, it is likely that any such attempts will result in disastrous social and economic impacts.”
Proponents for limiting population growth argue that by capping the supply of new houses, units and land for new business, people will be unable to move to popular areas, thereby preserving an unchanged life for existing residents.
However, the Property Council argues that such “populist politics” will result in the failure of businesses, the thinning of amenity and essential service providers such as teachers and police being unable to afford to live where they are needed.
“The bottom line is that attempts to limit population growth don’t deliver good community outcomes,” Greenwood said.
“The property and business community is very willing to work with government to meet the challenge of Queensland’s population growth.
“We welcome further debate on the issue; however we will not countenance the nonsensical proposal of capping population growth”, Greenwood said.
