Western Australia's Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn has approved a $138 million luxury resort development at Gnarabup in the state's South West, subject to conditions protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage and native fauna, particularly western ringtail possums.
The project, backed by private developer Saracen Properties, includes a 121-room five-star hotel, 51 houses and a cafe on more than 8 hectares of land along Walcliffe Road near Margaret River's Gnarabup Beach, 280 kilometres south of Perth.
The approval follows the Environmental Protection Authority's final recommendation published last year. Conditions require a fauna spotter on site during all ground disturbance works to identify western ringtail possums and their nests, with power to halt work if a possum is sighted.
Critics, including high-profile surfer Taj Burrow and musician John Butler, have opposed the development. Margaret River Coastal Resident Association president Adrian Wilson called the conditions 'pure lip service', citing concerns about bushfire risks, wastewater infrastructure and impacts on native wildlife.
Preserve Gnarabup spokesperson Beth Carlessi described the approval as devastating, warning of increased fire risk and unsuitable density for the fragile environment. However, Margarets Beach Resort operator Lee Burkett said the development would boost local industry and employment, noting no new tourism accommodation had been built in Margaret River for 30 years.
Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti defended the government's balance of development and environmental protection, stating Western Australia had done well compared to other regions.
