Controversial Margaret River resort plans green-lit by EPA
A $138 million luxury resort has been given the green light by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in Western Australia's South West.
The five-star resort will be built by developer Saracen Properties on Wallcliffe Road at Gnarabup Beach, 8 kilometres south of Margaret River.
It will feature a 121 rooms, 51 beach houses, 25 apartments and a general store and cafe.
The controversial project has drawn significant criticism over the years, including from high-profile surfer Taj Burrow and musician John Butler.
There are concerns about the resort's ecological impact, reduced visual amenity, and inadequate Aboriginal consultation and consideration of culture and heritage.
The resort's sole access road has also been flagged as a bushfire risk.
The beachfront site has been earmarked for a resort development as early as 2006.
The EPA took three years to assess the development application, submitted through the State Development Assessment Unit.
More than 2,500 submissions were made as part of the public review period.
In a statement, EPA chair Darren Walsh admitted the project would change the natural landscape and visual character of the area.
However, strict conditions have been put in place, including a maximum height limit of 7 metres for the resort area and 8m for the village area.
Other recommendations include no disturbance to Aboriginal cultural heritage in the development envelope and minimising impacts on the habitat of migratory shorebirds.
Margaret River Coastal Residents Association president and Gnarabup resident Adrian Wilson said there were quite a few "inconsistencies" in the EPA's report.
"One of the main problems is they don't consider stuff like traffic, infrastructure, social impact, fire," he told Peter Barr on WA Regional Mornings.
"They've also said the sewerage system is inadequate and this development depends on an upgrade. So they've sort of washed their hands of it.
"The EPA is relying on the developer doing a bunch of stuff and our experience is, the developer is not interested in anything they can't directly relate to this development.
Lee Burkett has operated the nearby Margarets Beach Resort at Gnarabup Beach for the past 18 years.
He said while he understood the backlash from residents, the development would boost tourism in Margaret River.
"Most weekends are full throughout the year and it's only going to get more popular," Mr Burkett said.
"We live in the best place in the world and if people want that and are prepared to pay for that type of accommodation, they deserve it.
"Every one is entitled to their opinion to this development and if that's what they [the government departments] have come up with, then so be it."
In a statement, a Saracen Properties spokesperson said the developer was pleased to have received EPA support.
The spokesperson said the project was carefully designed from the outset, with strong consideration for the area's environmental and heritage values.
A three-week public appeal period is now open and will close on June 18.
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn will then be tasked with the final decision on the proposal.
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