Golden lure for elite centre
THE proponent of a $350 million elite sports training facility says the centre could help Australia win more Olympic gold medals and secure its status as a sporting giant.
The fate of the Cape Otway Road Australia (CORA) proposal, which includes sports fields, a luxury hotel, wellness centre and sport science hub, will ultimately be decided by Planning Minister Richard Wynne.
Yesterday was the first day of a marathon advisory panel hearing that will hear evidence from CORA witnesses, the CFA, Australia China Business Council, Transport Department and residents.
The proponent told the advisory committee the centre would draw international elite sporting teams from the northern hemisphere to train during Australia’s summer.
Emily Porter, acting for CORA, said the proposed facility south of Lake Modewarre would be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the committee will have 40 days to deliver a final written report to Mr Wynne, who will decide if the project goes ahead.
The project, first proposed in 2018, is set to include professional-standard AFL, soccer, rugby, cricket and tennis playing areas as well as swimming, gymnastics, running and cycling facilities.
The proposal also includes eco-lodges, a retail village, art gallery, restaurants and a childcare centre.
Yesterday, Ms Porter said the facility would benefit the community economically and socially and attract tourists.
“The community, whether it’s nationally, regionally or locally, will be better off (if the project is approved),” she said.
Ms Porter said the centre’s would be “ideally positioned” to capture tourists travelling to the Surf Coast and a five-star hotel would encourage visitors to stay and spend money.
Geoff Brooks, for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, said the proponent had made attempts to avoid and minimise negative environmental impact.