State to probe project
Modewarre plan caution
THE $350 million elite sports precinct proposed for Modewarre will be reviewed by an independent panel.
Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne has decided to create an advisory committee to evaluate the merits of the bold and divisive project, dubbed CORA.
Cape Otway Road Australia (CORA) is spread across a 240-hectare site, offering a range of sports, tourism, cultural and retail facilities.
Surf Coast Shire economic development and tourism manager Matt Taylor confirmed the council was pleased by the State Government’s move.
“Council supports this action as it provides an opportunity for the community to be able to speak directly to an independent body, set up to assess the merits of the proposal,” he wrote.
Mr Taylor said a time frame for the establishment of the committee was not known.
The council had sought the ministerial intervention after CORA’s team submitted a revised proposal in May.
The changes removed the surfing wave pool and six caretaker dwellings, while several other facilities were relocated or reduced in size.
The proposed facility retains elite training facilities for nine sports, 24 homestead lodges, 24 rural residential lots, two art galleries, a smaller retail village and hotel.
The project has caused a stir in the local community, with hundreds signing a petition opposing it.
CORA has promoted its development as creating more than 1000 jobs during construction, and supporting 320 ongoing jobs.