Other Issues

11 July 2002

World Population Day: Time for leadership towards a sustainable future

The Environment Centre NT is using World Population Day (July 11th) to highlight the close links between issues of environment and population particularly here in the Northern Territory. The group is calling for open and informed public debate as the Government works towards the development of a population policy in the NT.

Environment Centre of the Northern Territory coordinator Kirsten Blair said "Whether it's clearing mangroves for waterfront housing development or excessive consumption driving resource extraction and landfill, most environmental issues in the Territory are clearly linked to population."

"A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics report shows that the NT reached a population of 200,000 in January of this year. This highlights the need for public debate on the direction we want to see the population in the NT take. We support recent statements from Minister Paul Henderson about the NT Government's moves to develop a comprehensive policy in this area and look forward to inputting into the process."

"When we consider what a truly sustainable population for the Territory means, we must address issues of consumption and resource use. The fact is, existing resources are not currently being managed sustainably but in the NT we have the opportunity to move away from the destructive industries of the past towards a low-impact future, one which will sustain more people, for longer. We hope to see the Government embrace a long term and sustainable view through development of its population policy" Ms Blair concluded.

For further information or interviews contact:
Dr. Barry Traill, The Wilderness Society 0427 261885
Environment Centre Northern Territory 08 8981 1984
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

Back to top