Planned development is now threatening our rural retreats and farming land in the Otway Hinterland. Irresponsible Council and State planning could allow urban sprawl to creep further into our green wedges.

The State Government are currently considering the proposal and the use of tax payer money to partially fund a Sports Tourism City on 240 hectares of land surrounding Lake Modewarre, targeting the sporting elite and Great Ocean Road tourists. It includes hotels (128 rooms), 37 lodges, 48 residences, 55 retail outlets, restaurants, helipad and more.

The proposal directly impacts 39 acres of the lake's seasonal wetlands, which provide the only significant inflow of water into the lake. The wetlands support an ecosystem and provide food and habitat to wildlife including the endangered Blue-billed duck (eBird 2017).

The developer currently proposes to remove 7 acres of endangered vegetation and 17.3 acres of very high conservation significance vegetation. The development is proposed on Farm and Rural Conservation zoned land with overlays including Land Subject to Inundation (flooding), Environmental Significance overlay, and has Cultural Heritage significance to the Wudawurrung people.

This development threatens rural liveability, farming and the environment within the Otway Hinterland. Visitor traffic is to be directed through Moriac township on a neglected local road, with a four-way intersection and level crossing within 100 meters of the local Primary School which also raises issues of safety. Please tell the Andrews Government that this site is inappropriate for his Sports Tourism City.