Dr Tony Recsei - Populate or Perish

SUMMARY:
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I’m excited to share this passionate talk from Dr Tony Recsei called “Populate or Perish”. Tony lays out, in plain language, how NSW and other state governments are choosing to house booming population growth by forcing higher density into existing suburbs. He explains the planning levers being used — including a State Environmental Planning Policy 53-style approach and mandatory residential strategies — that pressure local councils to surrender planning control or lose powers. Tony highlights the obvious and worrying consequences: loss of single-house garden living, shrinking green space, wildlife impacts, and high-rise replacements that erase neighbourhood character. He also points to a problematic planning process where advisory bodies including developers effectively rubber-stamp strategies while public objections are sidelined. This talk is urgent, clear and thought-provoking for anyone worried about overdevelopment, community voice being ignored, and the future of our cities. Watch, share and join the conversation — it’s time to defend our suburbs and demand better planning choices.

RUMBLE DESCRIPTION:
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I’m really pleased to bring you this full presentation from Dr Tony Recsei — a thoughtful and direct talk on what he calls “Populate or Perish”. Tony spoke to a packed room about the real impacts of Australia’s rapid population growth and the policy choices being made to deal with it. He explains how state planning instruments (he refers to the State Environmental Planning Policy 53 approach) and new mandatory residential strategies force councils to increase housing density in established suburbs or risk having planning powers taken away.

In clear, accessible language Tony walks through what this means on the ground: single‑house garden living being replaced by high‑density towers, reduced green space and biodiversity loss, and the loss of the lifestyle many Australians cherish. He also raises red flags about how residential strategy advisory panels, made up of planning officials and developers, create conflicts of interest and marginalise community input. Tony contrasts Australia’s situation with overseas examples and asks whether the high‑density model must be our only option.

If you’re concerned about overdevelopment, council decision‑making, or protecting local character and the environment, this is a must‑watch. Please like, comment and share your experience — attend your council meetings, read your local residential strategy and make your voice heard. Subscribe to the channel for more talks like this and follow community groups pushing for better planning outcomes.

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