Will buyers be forced into apartment living?

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.

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Shaping the future of Melbourne

Battle lines have been drawn in the sand as planners and protest groups debate our sprawling suburbs. Marc Pallisco reports.

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.

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