Game on for CORA as state government gives approval

IT IS GAME on for the $350 million Cape Otway Road Australia (CORA) project, with the state government to announce today it has given planning approval for the sport, health and wellness tourism facility.

To be built on a site near Modewarre, CORA’s proponents say it represents “the future of wellnesstourism and elite sport in Australia”, with the development to include luxury accommodation, a wellness centre, an internationally sought-after elite sports training facility and sports science hub, art galleries, design studios, an eco-museum, a retail and hospitality precinct including a microbrewery, signature restaurants and childcare centre, together with an organic farm and an outdoor event and sculpture park.

The privately funded project is estimated to create more than 1,000 jobs at the height of construction (including a commitment to 750 local jobs) and at least 670 full time jobs once in operation.

Following the rezoning approval, construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2021 with Multiplex to carry out the build, and will be complete in 2023.

“CORA has been imagined to utilise Victoria’s undisputed strengths in sport and major events, agriculture, tourism, education and innovation, hospitality, and medicine,” CORA co-founder Daryl Pelchen said.

Through partnerships in these sectors, CORA will represent the region’s interests in an unparalleled way, sharing its natural beauty and capacity globally.

“Catering for over 350,000 visitors annually, CORA’s ambition is to become the front door to the shipwreck coast and south west Victoria, assisting to signpost the region’s attractions and significantly improve the tourism economy. It will be design-led and is intended to become an exemplary sustainable environment and a resource for the community that will provide strong social benefits.”

G21 chief executive officer Elaine Carbines said CORA was visionary and would have significant economic and employment benefits for the G21 region.

“G21 has provided strong support for the CORA project from early planning stages because of its potential for jobs and tourism. It also has obvious synergies with existing sporting activities in the region and the state.”

Planning Minister Richard Wynne’s decision to allow the planning scheme amendment came after an extensive public consultation period and an independent panel review.