Melbourne's population is expected to reach 8.6 million by 2061; surpassing Sydney in 2053, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has projected.

The population of the state of Victoria is expected to grow strongly from 5.6 million in 2012 to 10.3 million in 2061 - an increase of 83 per cent, the bureau said.

The ABS has included a number of alternative population assumptions for Melbourne around fertility rates, net overseas migration and life expectancy. Under higher ABS projections, Melbourne could be Australia's most populated city by as early as 2030.

The Victorian Government has acknowledged the growth forecasts by opening up housing opportunities in urban renewal precincts, growth areas and in rural and regional Victoria.

The Government’s Plan Melbourne outlines action that is designed to create a State of Cities, not just a city-state. The plan is also intended to protect Melbourne’s suburbs, as well as providing a pipeline of development in defined locations. – TradeArabia News Service