But after our biggest growth in absolute numbers since 2013 last year and seemingly more this year, that number may not be far off the mark.

With the city's population sitting at 35,533 last year, on average we would need about 530 extra people a year to top 44,000.

But are we ready?

Where are these people going to live? Finding a house to buy or rent has never been harder and despite the city council's best endeavours, land for new builds is drying up fast.

There's some land re-zoned but getting developments planned and up and running is not a quick process. Then there's the issue of home owners getting through the planning process.

Last month we revealed the city council's planning department had completed 12 months' work in six months as demand soared. But even the council admits it needs more hands - a problem being experienced across the state.

We are in a property boom.

The land-buying frenzy in Warrnambool that has seen whole estates snapped up in record time has raised concerns from some developers the housing market could stall if something isn't done to speed up new subdivisions.

Bill Welsh said he had been forced to tell prospective buyers it would be at least two years before he would have any blocks to sell.

Some real estate agents contacted by The Standard said they had little to no land on their books to sell right now but more supply was on the way by the end of the year.

It is clear more needs to be done. Approval processes need to be fast-tracked but not compromised.

The state government, if it isn't already, needs to be active, whether through deploying resources or moving things along.

The last thing the state or city wants is the housing market to stall altogether because the economic and social impacts could be significant.

We don't need growing pains to stunt the city's development.