Australia's population increased 6% between the 2001 and
2006 Census, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This
growth carries numerous implications, some readily apparent and
much talked about – such as traffic congestion
– and others, equally important, though less visible to
the general public.
As populations increase, cities and towns must accommodate the
growth with additional residential development, which often leads
to construction adjacent to rural and industrial areas on city
outskirts. Urban encroachment upon these "remote"
locations, which often include wastewater treatment facilities,
poses possible consequences for both sides: potentially odorous
emissions impacting the new residents and, on the other hand,
potential litigation and costly upgrades for the facility
owners.
