In summary

Component Summary Assessment grade Confidence
Very poor Poor Good Very good In grade In trend
  • Recent Trend
    • Trend improving Symbol Improving
    • Trend stable Symbol Stable
    • Trend deteriorating Symbol Deteriorating
    • Trend unclear Image Unclear
  • Level of confidence
    • Confidence low Evidence and consensus too low to make an assessment
    • Confidence limited Limited evidence or limited consensus
    • Confidence high Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus
  • Grades
    • Grade Very Poor Very Poor
    • Grade Poor Poor
    • Grade Good Good
    • Grade Very Good Very Good

Population

Between 2006 and 2011 the population of South Australia increased by about 70 000—the largest increase since the early 1970s.

Most population growth has occurred on the northern and southern fringes of the Adelaide Statistical Division, with decline in some regional areas.

The number of residential dwellings increased more rapidly than population growth. This trend is expected to continue as the population ages and household sizes decrease.

There has been an increase of infill residential development and this is expected to accelerate over the long term.

 South Australia’s population receives an assessment grade of poor but stable. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus

Economy

The growth in world demand for food and minerals supported an upward trend in exports.

Nearly 40% of South Australia’s exports are agricultural, and these rely on a healthy environment.

Protection of agricultural land has increased, including legislation to better protect the McLaren Vale and Barossa regions from urban sprawl.

An increase in mining exports led to increased greenhouse gas emissions and use of water and energy.

 South Australia’s economy receives an assessment grade of poor but stable. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus

Transport

Private car use is high and growing.

The number of cyclists travelling to and from the city increased by more than 50% between 2006 and 2011.

Public transport use is low but increased from 43.8 million to 48.5 million passenger-kilometres, and is expected to increase more rapidly with investment in public transport and new urban design.

 South Australia’s transport receives an assessment grade of poor but stable. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus

Pollution

Air quality remains good in terms of national standards, with only some exceptions in specific locations.

The quality of water in rivers and streams has generally improved as a result of increased rainfall.

The quality of treated water released into coastal waters has improved.

Knowledge and remediation of site contamination has increased.

The number of licences to handle radioactive substances and operate radioactive apparatus has increased.

Noise complaints increased by about 20% from 2006 to 2011.

 South Australia’s pollution receives an assessment grade of good and stable. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Limited evidence or limited consensus

Waste

Total waste generated has increased by 40% to 3250 kg per person. About 75% of this is recycled.

 South Australia’s waste receives an assessment grade of poor but stable. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus

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