Two more Melbourne high-rise towers seek Matthew Guy's tick of approval

Victorian planning minister Matthew Guy has received two further development applications for high rise towers in Melbourne's inner city precinct.

His department his received applications for a 49-storey tower on Ferrars Street, South Melbourne and a 43-storey tower on City Road, Southbank, Fairfax Media has reported.

The Ferrars Street development could be the first of many – if approved – for the Fishermans Bend Development area, the largest urban renewal area in Australia.

Port Phillip council mayor Amanda Stevens said the council was working closely with the state government urban renewal authority, Places Victoria, on a strategic framework for the area.

Mr Guy said he would not approve any development in the area until a strategic framework is in place.

He has been eagerly approving high-rise projects in and around the CBD over the past year with his vision to transform the Melbourne skyline into something resembling Manhattan.

His press release announcing the approval of Australia 108 last month had as its headline "Melbourne, moving upward".

"Melbourne’s skyline will take a dramatic turn upward following the Victorian Coalition Government's approval of the Australia 108 tower," said Guy.

Mr Guy approved plans to build Australia 108, the tallest highrise in the southern hemisphere, despite concerns it will cast a shadow over the Shrine of Remembrance and later revelations that its height infringes on the flight path into Essendon Airport.

In late 2012, he gave the go-ahead for CEL Australia’s $170 million Tower Melbourne which will boast 555 apartments (and townhouses) across 71 storeys.

A third high rise project, the 72-level Vision tower was approved by Mr Guy in April last year. The Brady Group's proposed 226-metre tower is due to stand at 500 Elizabeth Street, near Queen Victoria Market.