A proposal to redevelop the former Ningaloo Lighthouse Caravan Park site has been recommended for environmental approval by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), subject to conditions including measures to mitigate impacts to turtle nesting.
The proposed resort is adjacent to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area and
includes visitor accommodation such as hotel rooms and caravan park bays, replacement service station, water supply and treatment, and power supply infrastructure across a 45.3ha site.
EPA Chair Professor Matthew Tonts said the assessment had considered the Authority’s recent strategic advice under section 16(e) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 regarding cumulative impacts within Exmouth Gulf and its surrounds.
“The location of this redeveloped site is in a globally significant area abundant in turtles, subterranean fauna, dark and clear sky values and Aboriginal heritage and culture,” Professor Tonts said.
“The EPA took into consideration that the beach adjacent to the resort is critical turtle nesting habitat and the fact that visitor capacity will not increase from the caravan park which has operated at this site for more than 30 years.
“To mitigate the impact on the turtle hatchings, the EPA supports the best-practice lighting designs of the proposal to reduce the light emissions from the site and that access to the beach would now be via formalised paths.”
Proponent Z1Z Resorts Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tattarang Group Pty Ltd, has also proposed to refurbish the State Heritage-listed Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Quarters.
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a three-week public appeal period, closing 26 April 2023. Appeals can be made at www.appealsconvenor.wa.gov.au. The Minister for Environment will make the final decision on the proposal. EPA Report 1737 can be found HERE.
EPA Media Contact: 6364 7357
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