It's Time for a Rational Discussion on Population

Australia's State of the Environment report is blunt: our natural environment is in poor health and deteriorating, with population growth identified as a root cause. Our cities are becoming less liveable — housing affordability, road congestion and access to green space are all worsening. Yet it's a conversation that deserves to be had openly and respectfully.

Featured Speakers

Ian Penrose — Environmentalist & Former Yarra Riverkeeper With tertiary qualifications in mathematics, science and economics, Ian is a former senior executive in the coal mining and natural gas industries. After 27 years supporting big business, he switched his focus to the natural environment — helping lead the Snowy River restoration, serving as a state water commissioner, and becoming Melbourne's inaugural Yarra Riverkeeper. He later served on the council of the Australian Conservation Foundation and completed a Master of Environment degree. Ian has maintained a close interest in the population debate while advocating for a multi-ethnic society that welcomes refugees.

Cr Kieran Simpson — Whitehorse Councillor & SPA Member Kieran is a software engineer who taught himself macro-economics and came to understand the intersection between economics and the environment. Now a Councillor at the City of Whitehorse, he is helping local government understand the impacts of unsustainable population growth on housing, infrastructure, open space and local services.

Film Screening — Growthbusters: Hooked on Growth This US documentary asks the most critical question of our time: how do we become a sustainable civilisation? Rather than dispensing facts about climate change, peak energy and biodiversity loss, it examines the cultural and psychological barriers that prevent us from acting rationally. It explores our obsession with economic and community growth, and asks why a roaring economy is more important to us than a survivable planet.

If the themes of the documentary resonate with you, we highly recommend diving deeper into the conversation:

Listen: Tune into the GrowthBusters Podcast for regular discussions on shifting away from growth dependency.
Follow & Connect:
- Facebook: @growthbusters
- Instagram: @growthbusting
- Substack: Follow Dave Gardner’s insights at @DaveThePlanet

The GrowthBusters project relies on community support to keep producing educational content, podcasts, and media. If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating to the GrowthBusters project: https://www.growthbusters.org/donate/

About Sustainable Population Australia Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organisation founded in 1988. SPA advocates for an end to population growth in Australia and globally in order to protect the environment and improve human wellbeing. SPA believes a smaller, truly sustainable population is the foundation for a healthy environment, liveable cities and a secure future for all Australians.

population.org.au

Event Details Sunday 28 June 2026 | 6pm – 9pm Hawthorn Library, 584 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn — Meeting Room 3 (Tintern Room)

Contact the host of Sustainable Population Australia Discussion and GrowthBusters film screening