Intergenerational struggle: Confronting Australia’s demographic headwinds

How councils can support rapid population growth while remaining financially sustainable

Managing rapid population growth while ensuring the financial sustainability of local government in New South Wales is a significant challenge. In an ideal world, this would be achievable through comprehensive strategic planning, substantial infrastructure investment, diversification of revenue sources, efficient asset management and innovative cost-efficiency measures. However, the reality for councils overseeing release areas is far from simple, writes Blacktown CEO Kerry Robinson.

The cost-of-living crunch is set to hit many households hard in 2023

Most economists predict that Australia will manage to avoid a recession this year. However, it will be a tough year financially for most households as costs blow out for non-discretionary items. CEDA analysis shows that for low-income households, rent or mortgage interest costs are set to exceed 40 per cent of average disposable income. These households will need to cut discretionary spending by over 10 per cent in order to absorb increases in the cost of essential items without their overall spending increasing more than income. The cost of living crunch will flatten Australia’s economic growth, as household consumption growth is set to significantly slow  this year.

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