A Vision of Australia Unchanged by Modern Population
The question of what Australia would look like without human intervention is intriguing. Picture a pristine paradise, untouched by the footsteps of civilization.
In the northeast, lush rainforests bask in the sunlight, while snow blankets the south-eastern mountains. The central deserts stretch across the vast landscape, home to unique flora and fauna, where only a few indigenous species still roam. The northwest is teeming with tropical wetlands, and the southwest, once marked by sprawling grasslands and towering timber, now speaks of a pre-colonial silent world. Among these lands, creatures both known and forgotten by modern man still live in their natural habitats.
Yet, even without human intervention, the sheer presence of indigenous inhabitants would keep the land from reaching its full untouched state. For over 60,000 years, the Aboriginal people have called Australia home, laughing in the forests, hunting in the wetlands, and dreaming under the Southern Cross. Their presence has been minimal in terms of altering the environment, much like the Aboriginal population, which now stands in stark contrast to the millions of immigrants flooding the modern Australian landscape.
The slogan "Australia for the Australians" came into existence only after near misses of colonization by the Dutch and French in the early modern period. However, as we move into the 21st century, this slogan seems more like a historical relic than a current reality. The focus now should be on the unsustainable growth of the Australian population and its environmental impact.
The influx of immigrants has put immense strain on Australian cities, designed for a much smaller and sparser population. From the suburbs to the CBDs, the density of people has overwhelmed a system not built for a modern metropolis. Unique residential setups, once the hallmark of Australian living, with half-acre blocks and detached homes, have given way to increasingly dense urban environments. This shift in lifestyle has brought a host of issues, from traffic congestion to a decrease in housing quality.
Besides the evident strain on the urban infrastructure, there are economic concerns. The mantra "Jobson Growth," a pro-immigration rhetoric by a political party, has led to an unsustainable system. The economy, which had been growing steadily, has seen a slowdown, masked only by the influx of these immigrants. This system is fiscally unsustainable, and the strain is starting to show. It is not just the cities that are suffering; the Australian countryside, once known for its rich agricultural produce, is now struggling to keep up with the demands of the growing population.
Recent research suggests that the quality of life in Australia peaked in 1074 when the estimated population was around 12 million. With the current population exceeding 26 million, the strain on resources and infrastructure is reaching critical levels. The impact on the environment is significant. Unsustainable immigration depletes natural resources, results in increased pollution, and leads to a general decline in environmental conditions.
Were Australia to remain untouched by modern population growth, the country would likely see a reversal of these negative trends. Unemployment rates could drop, wages could rise, and infrastructure and services could be improved. The example of Japan can be instructive. Japan, a country with a growing aging population, faces demographic challenges, but it has managed to maintain a high standard of living through efficient use of limited resources and advanced infrastructure.
Australia's immigration policies have changed significantly, with the current immigrants contributing less to the economy than their predecessors. Many of these immigrants find it difficult to integrate, demanding conformity to their cultural practices instead of adapting to Australian norms. This has led to ongoing conflicts, and politicians are often reluctant to address these issues out of fear of losing these voters. In the past year alone, over 800,000 immigrants have entered the country, a number that is disproportionate to Australia's modest population. This situation is untenable and could lead to disaster if not addressed soon.
As someone who is also an immigrant, I empathize with the struggle but also see the need for change. Australia thrives on diversity, but the current model of mass immigration is not sustainable. It is time to reassess our policies and prioritize the well-being of the country and its environment over short-term economic gains.