Melbourne plans tallest building in southern hemisphere

MELBOURNE (AFP) - Australia's second-largest city Melbourne could possibly have the tallest building in the southern hemisphere after approval Monday for a new 388-metre apartment and hotel complex.

The Victorian state government said Australia 108 would become the world's 19th tallest building on completion and would be "an outstanding addition to Melbourne's skyline".

"I am proud to approve a tower that will define our city for many years to come," Planning Minister Matthew Guy said.

There were some concerns that the construction of the 108-storey tower in the city's Southbank area, expected to be ready in five years, would cast a shadow over the Shrine of Remembrance war memorial, one of the city's best-known landmarks.