Population Increases Have Melbourne Accommodations, Airports Expanding

Melbourne is in the midst of a real estate boom that has made the news over the past several months. Foreign investment, from Asia coupled with increased interest in Melbourne accommodations and record-high rents in Sydney and other Australian cities has Melbourne growing rapidly. The growth, local business groups say, is essential to cope with record population increases. The latest crusade for expansion is the call for a third Melbourne airport.

Spearheaded by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce, the initiative calls for an airport near Tooradin or Tyabb, near Westernport Bay, or West or South Gippsland. In order to keep Melbourne competitive and continue the unprecedented growth the city has witnessed, the group asserts, more travel options must be available. As much of Melbourne apartment and real estate investment has come from foreign sources, an airport is a good start.

The group has been spurred on by recent figures that show Melbourne's population increasing exponentially. If these numbers continue, the group purports, Melbourne's population could reach as many as 8 million people by 2050.

"Melbourne's population is anticipated to overtake Sydney's in the next 20 years, and we anticipate that Melbourne Airport - Tullamarine - will be Australia's largest international airport," spokesman Chris James said in a statement this week. "It would be a good idea if we had two domestic airports either side of Melbourne. We've already got one at Avalon; we will need one on the south-east as well."

With business booming in Melbourne, groups like the Victorian Chamber of Commerce are hoping to continue the expansion by helping make Melbourne an easy place to conduct business. With better access to air travel and short stay apartment options, companies looking to get in on the Melbourne expansion can get their teams near the action for an extended period without breaking the accommodation budget.