Growing pains

Australians are competitive and love to win. No secret there. But there is one contest where winning might really mean losing: the population race. Currently our country is growing at more than twice the rate of America, the United Kingdom, and even China. Many politicians and economists say big is not only beautiful but essential, and that a booming population fuelled by immigration will guarantee our future prosperity. However, as Liam Bartlett finds out, that is a difficult argument to cop for everyday Aussies crushed by endless development, congestion and overcrowding.

Reporter: Liam Bartlett

Producers: Nick Greenaway, Madeleine Apps