The state’s environmental watchdog will ask the public whether it should assess a proposed five-star $100 million Margaret River resort.
The Environmental Protection Authority is expected to this week launch a seven-day public consultation period on whether it should assess the Gnarabup Headland development and if so, to what extent.
Saracen Properties and Security Capital Australia announced their plans last year to develop the resort, about 10km from Margaret River’s town centre, which hotel provider Marriott International has signed on to operate via Westin.
In June last year, Premier Mark McGowan touted the development as a win for the state’s tourism sector, following the negative impacts of COVID-19.
The project is expected to create more than 300 jobs during construction phase and 100 ongoing jobs.
The $100 million development has attracted opposition from the community, voiced through local action group Preserve Gnarabup.
The group is calling for the preservation of the coastline and to have the area rezoned as a nature reserve.
Preserve Gnarabup spokesperson Beth Carlessi said she hoped an environmental assessment on the proposal would lead to a well-considered decision on whether the impact should be approved.
“We believe the proposed development will have significant environmental and social impacts. Please put in a submission and ask the EPA to assess the development at the level of Public Environmental Review,” she said.
