Sports mega hub shake-up

Modewarre complex shifts plans after backlash

THE proponent of the Cape Otway Road Australia sporting and tourism development at Modewarre has made significant changes to plans for the $350 million project they say will protect surrounding wetlands.

The 240ha development — about three-quarters the size of Breakwater — is proposed for south of Lake Modewarre but is yet to gain planning approval six months after it was announced.

Following community backlash Daryl Pelchen Architects has made changes which include removing a surfing wave pool, repositioning the site’s 128room hotel, adding a water treatment plant and increasing the size of an on-site conservation area.

“The community has already begun to shape the project in a real sense with this feedback being crucial in refining the project to better represent the wide spectrum of views,” Daryl Pelchen said.

The development is set to include professional-standard AFL, soccer, rugby, cricket and tennis playing areas as well as facilities for swimming, gymnastics, running and cycling.

The proposal also includes eco-lodges, a retail village, art gallery, restaurants and a childcare centre.

It has been earmarked by the Geelong Football Club as a future base for its men’s and women’s teams.

More than 640 people have signed the Surf Coast Hinterland Group’s petition calling for the project to be stopped.

The group is campaigning to protect 14ha of seasonal wetlands which they say will be impacted by the Cape Otway Rd project.

“Irresponsible council and state planning could allow urban sprawl to creep further into our green wedges,” the group said in a petition.

“The proposal directly impacts (14ha) of the lake’s seasonal wetlands, which provide the only significant inflow of water into the lake.

“This development threatens rural liveability, farming and the environment within the Otway Hinterland.”

Mr Pelchen said the proposed size of a conservation area at the development site was increased following community concerns.

“The CORA project aims to improve the overall conditions of the site by removing the broiler farm and an earth berm that currently impedes the water flow while also undertaking extensive revegetation.

“Numerous studies have been completed to understand the existing ng characte characteristics of (Lake Modewarre’s) odewarre’s) backwater ter including biodiversity, rsity, hydrology ogy and cultural heritage.”

The State Government is yet to decide if it will be the planning authority for the project or if it will hand responsibility to the Surf Coast Shire.

“A decision on the planning pathway will be made shortly and will involve public exhibition of the proposal and a planning panel process.”

Surf Coast Shire has written to the State Government requesting the planning minister to be the planning authority for the project.