Group calls for submissions on Gnarabup resort as Environmental Protection Authority poised for consultation

Residents are being encouraged to make submissions to WA’s Environmental Protection Authority as progress on the proposed five-star resort at Gnarabup continues.

Surfrider Margaret River’s Preserve Gnarabup campaign fired up again this week at news the Saracen Group project’s environmental plan would soon be released for public scrutiny.

The proposal had split the community, with the planned Westin Margaret River Spa & Resort contentious for coastal residents who fear overcrowding and bushfire risks as the project includes a de facto housing development and a small town centre.

Surfrider spokesperson Beth Carlessi said consultation was expected to open later this month and run for four weeks — a critical window for concerned residents to have their say.

“Responding to this review document is so important,” she said.

“It’s vital that we all strongly inform the EPA of the unacceptable risks that this development poses to the fragile limestone headland, the risk of water pollution into the bay and the Ngari Marine Park, the many endangered species and the rapidly escalating coastal fire hazard.

“We believe that these risks cannot be overcome.”

Saracen Group project manager Joel Saraceni welcomed the next step in the overall process.

“A lot of time and resources have gone into this process and we are excited that the EPA review is moving forward,” he said.

“The project is needed now more than ever and will help release existing housing supply by providing dedicated and purpose-built tourist accommodation on land that has been zoned and approved for that purpose for over 20 years.”

Surfrider’s opposition to the project was bolstered by a past Department of Fire and Emergency Services submission citing “unacceptable” bushfire risks, partly due to the headland’s single access road.

Ms Carlessi this week said the DFES position continued to inform her group’s view on the project.

“We agree with DFES which has stated it cannot support the project as it would place another 1000 people in a coastal area serviced by one road facing the likelihood of a rapidly escalating fire fanned by the strong winds which can occur daily during the summer months,” she said.

The Margaret River Coastal Residents Association did not respond to enquiries.

EPA consultation was expected to open on October 21.