Conference to address population doubling (Mar)
The population of the mid-north coast of NSW will double within 15 years. A public conference at
Johns River near Port Macquarie will address the environmental, social and economic implications of
this doubling next month.
Sustainable Population Australia inc (SPA) is organising the event with the help of an active local
committee. National President of SPA, Ms Jenny Goldie, says this doubling must be put in context of
two converging crises.
“We face both climate change and the end of the age of cheap oil,” she says. “Climate change will
bring higher temperatures and more extreme weather events. The coast is particularly vulnerable.
“It is also becoming increasingly clear that global oil and gas production will peak this decade.
Demand will exceed supply and prices of oil and gas products will inexorably rise including farm
products such as fertilisers and pesticides,” Ms Goldie says.
“These two converging crises will make it hard to accommodate any growth in population, let alone the
predicted doubling. The conference, however, will address alternative futures such as localised
agriculture, environmentally sensitive housing and renewable energy, measures which might allow us
to cope better.”
A number of excellent speakers have agreed to speak including representatives from Port Macquarie
Hastings and Greater Taree City Councils, local activists and professionals, and a councillor from
Ballina Shire. It will be held at Falls Forest Retreat owned by well-known palaeo-environmentalist and
author, Dr Mary E White, who will welcome participants.
Public conference
“Population doubling on the mid-north NSW coast – the implications”
9am – 5pm Saturday 29 April 2006
Falls Forest Retreat, 318 Isaacs Lane, Johns River
Registration: population.org.au or info@population.org.au
Further information:
Jenny Goldie (02) 6235 5488
Mary White (02) 6556 5024
Tony Doherty (02) 6553 9727