Western Australia's Environment Minister has given the final green light to a controversial residential development in the state's prized South West, decisively knocking back the vast majority of appeals against the project.
Minister's Decision Ends Long-Running Dispute
Environment Minister Reece Whitby has used his executive powers to approve a 12-unit tourist accommodation development at Lot 1 Boodjidup Road in Gnarabup, near Margaret River. The decision, made on May 22, 2024, brings a protracted planning process closer to its conclusion.
The proposal, lodged by applicant Gnarabup Beach Pty Ltd, had already received development approval from the Augusta-Margaret River Shire council in late 2023. However, that approval triggered a significant number of appeals from concerned community members, which were subsequently reviewed by the Minister.
In a decisive move, Minister Whitby dismissed 11 of the 12 separate appeal claims that were lodged against the shire's original approval. The single appeal that was upheld related to a minor administrative condition concerning the timing of a bond payment, which the Minister ordered to be adjusted.
Balancing Development and Environmental Protection
The appeals against the project raised a series of common concerns, primarily focused on the potential environmental and social impact of the development on the sensitive coastal area. Key issues highlighted by appellants included:
- The visual impact and bulk of the proposed buildings.
- Potential damage to native vegetation.
- Impacts on the character and amenity of the Gnarabup area.
- Increased pressure on local infrastructure and traffic.
In his decision, Minister Whitby acknowledged these concerns but found that the proposed development was largely consistent with the existing town planning scheme and relevant state planning policies. The approval comes with a stringent set of conditions that the developer must adhere to, covering areas such as landscaping, drainage, and environmental management.
The Minister's report noted that the shire's original approval included 54 separate conditions designed to mitigate the project's impact. His review concluded that these conditions, with the one modification regarding the bond, were appropriate and sufficient.
Implications for the Margaret River Region
This decision is significant for the Augusta-Margaret River Shire, an area perpetually grappling with the balance between supporting vital tourism infrastructure and preserving its renowned natural environment and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Proponents of the development argue that it will provide a boost to the local tourism economy by increasing high-quality accommodation options near the popular Gnarabup beach and the world-famous Margaret River wine region. The project is positioned as tourist accommodation, which aligns with the shire's economic strategy.
However, the strong opposition reflected in the 12 appeals indicates a portion of the community remains deeply wary of increased density and commercial development in what they consider a fragile coastal settlement. The Minister's near-total rejection of these appeals underscores the challenges communities face in overturning council-approved developments at the state level.
The finalised approval paves the way for construction to commence, subject to the developer meeting all the outlined conditions. The outcome will be closely watched as a precedent for how future development applications in environmentally sensitive and highly valued coastal areas of Western Australia are handled by the state government.
