Without water: the economics of supplying water to 5 million more Australians

Abstract

The scenarios presented in this report should be used as a means to assist consideration of policy options not as predictions of what will happen. They should be seen as illustrations of what could happen. The ABS predicts Australia's population will increase by 5 million and reach 25 million people in 2032. This represents a 25% increase in the population of Australia. With 5 million more people and 15% less water in the Eastern States and South Australia, what will happen to the economy and how will this be reflected in the price of water?