Wynne or lose for CORA?
THE fate of a $350m elite sports training facility proposed for Modewarre is currently being decided by the state’s planning minister.
Planning Minister Richard Wynne is reviewing the Cape Otway Road Australia (CORA) project, planned for a 220ha site south of Lake Modewarre.
Mr Wynne will need to approve CORA’s request for a planning scheme amendment in order for the project to go ahead.
The development, which was first proposed in 2018, is set to include multiple sports fields, a 128-room hotel, wellness centre and sport science hub.
The proposal also includes eco-lodges, a retail precinct, art gallery, restaurants, organic farm, auditorium and a childcare centre.
The facility is set be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
A hearing was held in February for submissions from the public, before the planning committee produced a final report for Mr Wynne.
CORA director and cofounder Daryl Pelchen said the planning panel’s recommendation was not yet known, with the outcome to be identified following Mr Wynne’s decision.
“Should it be approved, the next phase of CORA will begin, which is work with and form new partnerships, commence the build and launch this exciting project to the world,” Mr Pelchen said.
A planning scheme amendment to rezone the land is needed to facilitate the proposed unique mix of land uses.
Since 2017, CORA has undertaken a series of community events and online engagement periods.
If approved, construction is expected to take 24 months, with the facility eyeing to be operational by 2023.