Melbourne’s skyline is to be transformed following the Victorian Government’s approval of the Australia 108 tower.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy made the announcement fittingly on the 89th floor of Melbourne’s Eureka building today.

Australia 108 will will be almost 100 metres taller than the Eureka Tower; on completion it will become the world’s 19th tallest building and the southern hemisphere’s highest.

Dogged by objections from the City of Melbourne over the past three years, the announcement gives the final green light to the project.

The minister told reporters that issues raised by the City of Melbourne in relation to 64 extra conditions for the permit as requested by the council had all been met.

“Australia 108 will be an outstanding addition to Melbourne’s skyline,” said Mr Guy.

“The tower signifies the best of Victorian architecture and a drive for enterprise and ingenuity that exists nowhere else in Australia.”

Australia 108 will comprise 646 apartments, a 288-room 6 star hotel as well as office and retail space, and is expected to cost over $600m.

An estimated 300 new jobs in the construction and hospitality industries are projected for the project.

“Towers such as Australia 108 are consistent with the Coalition Government’s drive to concentrate high-density development in defined areas and out of existing, quiet neighbourhoods,” said the minister.

Architect Nonda Katsalidis told Neos Kosmos that he was delighted to have the planning approval finalised.

“Australia 108 has the ability to define Melbourne, and signify our coming of age as a dynamic and progressive international city.”

“Nothing like this exists in our part of the world – a prestigious residential tower with a six level luxury hotel,” said Katsalidis.

“Interest in Australia 108 has been enormous, both in Melbourne and internationally,” said the Greek-born architect.

“We have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have expressed and interest in buying apartments.”