Latest news with #TajBurrow
ABC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
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.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Legendary surf filmmaker Jack McCoy dies aged 76 - just days after his 20th anniversary film tour wraps up in Australia
Legendary surf filmmaker Jack McCoy has died aged 76, just days after he wrapped up his 20th anniversary Australian tour of his iconic 2004 movie Blue Horizon. The Los Angeles-born movie director died earlier this week after several years of poor health. His celebrated career was defined by his enthusiasm for capturing the beauty and thrill of surfing on film. His work spanned from the '70s until the 2010s, during which he created a series of influential movies that not only showcased the sport but also inspired generations of surfers and film enthusiasts worldwide. McCoy's passing was confirmed by his family in a heartbreaking statement on social media. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'It's with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved father - our Big Kahuna - who has now caught his final wave and rests peacefully above,' they began. 'A true one of a kind, he was deeply loved by so many and touched, moved and inspired millions of hearts across the globe through his story telling, art and most importantly his passion for the environment and spirit of aloha. 'His legacy lives on in all of us who had the privilege to have met him.' McCoy had strong ties with the Australian surfing community and regularly visited Down Under to promote the sport. Mark Occhilupo, Luke Egan, Taj Burrow and Nathan Hedge were just some of the Aussie surf stars he was friends with. Expressing heartbreak over the news, several members of the surfing community took to social media to pay tribute to McCoy. 'So sorry to hear this. Big love to Jack, his family, friends and fans. Legend,' wrote Australian retired pro-surfer Taj Burrow. 'So many beautiful moments with you Jack over the years! You taught me and so many so much,' Luke Egan chipped in. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jack McCoy (@jackmccoyaloha) 'Sending love and prayers to the entire family,' added US surfer Rob Machado. The 20th-anniversary Australian tour of his seminal 2004 surf movie Blue Horizon wrapped up on May 24, just days before his passing. The 13-date tour saw McCoy hold special screenings at select cinemas across the country, as well as hosting Q&A sessions for surfing enthusiasts. The iconic film tracks the rival between two competing surfers chasing the world title and features interviews with surf stars Kelly Slater and Mark Occhilupo. Throughout his career, McCoy continued to push boundaries in surf filmmaking, using innovative techniques to capture the essence of the sport. He is survived by his wife Kelly and their two children, Indiana and Cooper.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taj Burrow, Western Australian Surfers in Uproar Over Proposed Beach Development
Many in the Western Australian surf community are protesting a proposed controversial coastal real estate development in front of a popular Yallingup surf spot, the home of former perennial world title threat Taj Burrow. The developers behind the Smiths Beach Project are eyeing the plateau above Smiths Beach as the site for a 65-room hotel, 61 holiday homes, a campground, a welcome center and a new surf lifesaving club. Developers said that the total area will cover 40 hectares (90 acres), nearly of which will be reserved for conservation or public space. This area has long been the apple in the eye of coastal developers. According to the Smiths Beach Action Group, which opposes the project, this proposal is 36% larger than what was previously approved by previous planning laws. 'We are not against development,' reads a statement from the group. 'However any future development must be sustainable and should at a minimum adhere to the long-standing planning laws of the site. We will support a proposal that reflects the current planning laws, current approvals, and environmental conditions that are long established for this unique and pristine area.' The action group has listed a host of concerns about the current plan, including the fact that commercial and residential sewage will be disposed of on-site instead of the main sewer lines in Dunsborough. Another issue highlighted by surfers is the new beach access ramp that will have a 10-meter wide rock wall facing the ocean. David Mitchell, a spokesman for the Smiths Beach Action Group, told ABC News Australia the 'rock wall would effectively act as a seawall, allowing the developer to inch closer to the shoreline.' Additionally, surfers worry this seawall/access ramp could erode the very beach it's meant to grant access to. On top of that, there are concerns it would also sand flow and forever change the wave out front. 'To me, it seems quite arrogant to propose such a thing,' Taj said in a video online. 'The pure reason for a seawall is for these developers to build closer to the beach with more accommodations. So obviously that just equals dollars. There's no thought into what the seawall can do to our coast, which is obviously going to have a huge environmental impact. I don't think these developers have a clue or care what effect it would have on this beach. The sand and the swell is so dependent on exactly how the coast is laid out at the moment. If you try to disrupt that sand flow or the swells, it's going to potentially and probably ruin one of our best surfing beaches down here. That's the reason everyone comes here, to enjoy this sand along with the surf.' Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority is reviewing the proposal and taking public submissions until February 10. The EPA will then make a recommendation to the state's environment minister. However, government officials are already getting involved. Both WA Green and Liberal parties have opposed the development in its current form. WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam said the current proposal was outside of the approved development area, as established in 2011, according to ABC News Australia. On February 3, Mettem referred the project to Australia's Corruption and Crime Commission, asking the board to investigate the development plan and its approval process. She reportedly told ABC Southwest Radio, 'A range of concerns have been raised in relation to this (Smiths Beach,) and that is why I have written to the CCC in relation to this matter so that those concerns can be given proper considerations.' You can find the official project page here and learn about the issues here.
