Anyone who played (or plays) the computer game Simcity would understand the predicament Melbourne planners are in right now.

On the one hand, Melbourne’s population is growing – with some more ambitious estimates suggesting by 1000 people a week. New residents are coming from interstate (particularly Sydney and Brisbane) and overseas (New Zealand, United Kingdom). Many new residents are professional, high income earning professionals who may see Melbourne’s real estate market as relatively affordable.

The buildings where Graham Kennedy let loose his famous “faark” crow-call and where fans of Bandstand learned the twist and the stomp are believed to be close to sold as Channel Nine capitalises on its inner-suburban properties in Melbourne and Sydney.

The contentious Melbourne 2030 planning controls continue to divide the community. On the one hand, some industry experts warn Melbourne could become another overextended Los Angeles if we don't halt the urban spread. Meanwhile, protest groups in suburb after suburb complain of higher-density living being foisted upon them. They claim their neighbourhoods are in danger of losing their character.

Somewhere in between these factions may be the future Melbourne.