Gnarabup group calls for public submissions

Action group Preserve Gnarabup says it will “thoroughly review” the final Gnarabup Environmental Review Document (ERD) which has been published for a four week public consultation period.

The proposal, made by Saracen Properties Pty Ltd on behalf of 5 Star Margaret River Pty Ltd and The Beach Village Pty Ltd, seeks to develop a resort and village incorporating tourism, commercial and residential development over a development envelope of 8.1ha.

The ERD describes the proposal, the likely environmental impacts and the proposed mitigation measures.

Group spokesperson Beth Carlessi thanked those who had made submissions to the State and Federal Environmental Authorities in the past three years to raise their concerns, and urged locals and visitors to lodge a submission.

“Responding to this Review Document is so important,” Ms Carlessi 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.

“We agree with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services 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.”

The group formed in June 2020 in response to the announcement of the proposed housing estate and resort on Gnarabup Headland.

Run by Surfrider Foundation South West Branch, Preserve Gnarabup has more than 1700 supporters and builds on 32 years of opposition by locals to the development of the highly valued natural site above the town beach, Gnarabup Bay.

“Preserve Gnarabup urges everyone in the community who cares about our coast, our beautiful playground at Gnarabup, and the environment there, to make a submission saying NO to the development.”

The group said their website – preservegnarabup.org.au – would be updated to with information to help with making a submission, and called on those keen to volunteer to help people make submissions at Gnarabup or IGA Margaret River to get in touch via admin@preservegnarabup.org.au

The ERD is downloadable from www.epa.wa.gov.au. Copies of the ERD will be available for examination at Augusta and Margaret River Public Libraries, the State Library of WA and the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

The closing date for public submissions is Monday 18 November 2024.