The Second City solution

Perhaps the most obvious solution to crippling over-population in Australian cities, is to implement the Second City solution.

Each state current centers on a single (often sprawling) metropolitan city. Yet all states have the capacity for an additional city to be 'created'. This would effectively reduce congestion and shortages of land etc...

The second city would be linked to the main city via high-speed rail, and other public transport systems. There may even be domestic air services between the two.

The existence of a second city would enhance each state, offering alternative work locations for businesses and employees.

The solution sounds a little like science-fiction, but it is simple logic. The fact that cities usually grow from townships, without clear intention to become a city, should not be a reason to snub the idea.