Australia’s population to hit 25 million for first time

BBC News:Australia’s population will reach 25 million for the first time on Tuesday, according to official estimates.The milestone, driven significantly by migration, has magnified debate about the merits of a “big or little” Australia, and congestion in cities.The most contentious aspect has been migration: is it growing too fast, or will it continue to benefit the nation?
As urban sprawl worsens in Sydney and Melbourne, the government wants people to look at alternative places to live.
Australia’s population is concentrated around its coast – Sydney and Melbourne alone account for about two-fifths of people.Despite much of Australia being uninhabitable – officially 20% is classified as desert – the government says it has a “distribution problem”.