Group set to appeal Gnarabup resort report

Coastal action group Preserve Gnarabup says their fight is not over, despite the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) clearing the way for a 121 room resort on the Margaret River region coast.

The Saracen Properties-spearheaded proposal sparked a three year EPA assessment, which resulted in a number of conditions being applied to the project, including height limits, protection of fauna habitats around the site as well as preservation of Aboriginal heritage areas.

“It is disappointing that the EPA hasn’t recommended the WA Environment Minister refuse this development which almost 2700 local people and organisations objected to,” Preserve Gnarabup spokesperson Beth Carlessi said.

“While local people are devastated by this recommendation, the EPA has applied some limiting conditions on the size and height of the development, and other measures such as Aboriginal heritage and migratory bird protection,” she said.

“This is only one more step in the assessment of a range of approvals required for the development.”

EPA Chair Darren Walsh said members were cognisant of the significant public interest in the project and acknowledged that the proposed development would result in a change to the natural landscape and visual character of the environment.

“However, limiting the design’s maximum height limit to seven metres within the proposed resort area and eight metres within the village area will facilitate an environmental outcome consistent with the EPA’s objectives,” he said.

“During the assessment the EPA encouraged further consultation with the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation.

“And the EPA report recommends conditions for further consultation with Traditional Owners and an ethnographic and archaeological site identification Aboriginal heritage survey to be undertaken prior to any disturbance.”

Mr Walsh said the EPA had also provided other advice in its report on matters raised during public consultation that were outside its statutory remit, including traffic congestion, bushfire safety, future wastewater management for Prevelly-Gnarabup, and economic benefits.

The EPA’s report to the Minister for the Environment is now open for a three-week public appeal period, closing 18 June 2025.

Ms Carlessi said Preserve Gnarabup would be reviewing the EPA’s recommended conditions and considering an appeal.

“From our early review, we believe Preserve Gnarabup will appeal which will be expensive,” she said.

“The fight to limit development on this precious site is not over and has a long way to run.

“People have opposed the development of this site for 33 years and it’s not over.

“Anyone who loves Gnarabup and opposes this development is invited to come to make a donation on the Preserve Gnarabup Go Fund Me page.”