The Victorian Government has given the green light to a $350 million sport and tourism development on the state's iconic Surf Coast which will create more than 1,000 jobs and boost tourism to regional Victoria.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has approved the Cape Otway Road Australia development (CORA) following extensive public consultation and assessment by an independent advisory committee.
The CORA development will provide a high-performance sports training facility for elite athletes and a range of tourism facilities on a 220-hectare property in Modewarre, south west of Geelong.
The project includes world class sporting facilities, a sports performance hub and education precinct, four and five-star accommodation lodges, a 128-room residential hotel, a wellness centre, a childcare centre and a retail village.
It will also include a farmers' market showcasing local produce and an organic farm providing home grown food for the onsite restaurants.
The CORA development will provide a huge boost to the local economy with 1,000 jobs created during construction and hundreds of full time jobs ongoing, as well as attracting elite athletes and tourists to the area.
The Minister has approved the Surf Coast Planning Scheme Amendment C125surf to facilitate the staged delivery of this major project in accordance with the Comprehensive Development Plan.
The approved amendment has been through a thorough and independent assessment process that included over 240 submissions and public hearings.
Through the rigorous review process, changes were made to the original proposal which will ensure the development follows strict requirements and guidelines to achieve high quality, unobtrusive buildings and works based on environmentally sustainable design principles.
Additional conditions included by the Minister will also strengthen the protection of existing wetlands, native vegetation and known habitat for the Growling Grass Frog.
As stated by Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
"We've listened to the community during the assessment process to ensure the final development is one that sits well in the landscape and builds on what we all love about the Surf Coast."
As stated by Member for South Barwon Darren Cheesman
"This development will further enhance our iconic Surf Coast attracting even more elite athletes and local and international tourists to the area while creating jobs and boosting the local economy."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"Projects like these are vital to our economic recovery and I look forward to seeing the new facilities benefit our region for a long time to come."
