WARMING UP

CORA lodges planning documents

THE wheels are turning on the proposed Cape Otway Road Australia (CORA) complex, with a business case for the $350 million project lodged with the state government last week and its planning application to be submitted to the Surf Coast Shire this week.

CORA has also opened its project office in the Geelong premises of one of its proponents, local architect Daryl Pelchen.

The 240-hectare sports training, accommodation, arts and tourism facility will be built on Cape Otway Road near Lake Modewarre.

Speaking at a meeting with Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson on Thursday to discuss CORA’s progress, Mr Pelchen said the global acknowledgement of the project as well as the “true community engagement” had been the most pleasing thing since CORA was formally launched in November.

“Really, we’re trying to work at both levels here.

“This is a project, for us, that delivers regional, state and national benefits at all levels, and we need to make sure that we cover and engage fully with the people that are affected to actually shape the ultimate proposition.”

CORA recently received a $3.2 million grant towards the project’s ecotourism destination and retail precinct from the federal government though the Regional Jobs and Investment Package (RJIP), but Ms Henderson said this was contingent on CORA getting planning approval.

CORA will need the land to be rezoned for the project to go ahead and Mr Pelchen said he expected the planning application would be “called in” by the state government because of its state and national significance, but Ms Henderson said she would prefer that the Surf Coast Shire retain planning control.

“From a planning perspective, there is generally a stronger opportunity for the community to play a very grassroots role in providing feedback and making sure that their voice is heard.”

Mr Pelchen said community engagement was ongoing but initial feedback had raised concerns about CORA’s impact on Cape Otway Road, particularly for those living immediately to the east in Connies Lane.

“What I can say is the consultations we’ve had with those people, and the wider community, has been incredibly positive.”