The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has cleared a $138 million luxury resort near Margaret River in Western Australia's South West, despite years of controversy and over 2,500 public submissions.
Developer Saracen Properties plans to build the five-star resort on Wallcliffe Road at Gnarabup Beach, about 8 kilometres south of Margaret River and 280 kilometres south of Perth. The project includes 121 rooms, 51 beach houses, 25 apartments, a general store, and a cafe.
The EPA took three years to assess the development application, which was submitted through the State Development Assessment Unit. In a statement, EPA chair Darren Walsh acknowledged the project would change the natural landscape and visual character of the area. Strict conditions have been imposed, including a maximum height limit of 7 metres for the resort area and 8 metres for the village area, no disturbance to Aboriginal cultural heritage, and minimising impacts on migratory shorebird habitat.
Critics, including high-profile surfer Taj Burrow and musician John Butler, have raised concerns about ecological impact, reduced visual amenity, inadequate Aboriginal consultation, and bushfire risk from the sole access road. Margaret River Coastal Residents Association president Adrian Wilson cited inconsistencies in the EPA report, noting it did not consider traffic, infrastructure, social impact, or fire, and relied on the developer for upgrades like sewerage.
However, local tourism operator Lee Burkett, who runs the nearby Margarets Beach Resort, supported the development, saying it would boost tourism in a region that is already popular. A Saracen Properties spokesperson said the company was pleased with the EPA's support and emphasised careful design considering environmental and heritage values.
A three-week public appeal period is open until June 18, after which Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn will make the final decision.
