The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has completed its assessment of the Gnarabup Tourism Development Resort and Beach Village, recommending the proposal can be implemented subject to strict conditions.
Throughout the three-year assessment, the EPA considered potential impacts to social surroundings, terrestrial fauna, flora and vegetation, inland waters, subterranean fauna, marine environmental quality, coastal processes, landforms, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Saracen Properties Pty Ltd proposal is to develop a 121-room resort, residential dwellings and commercial premises at 783 Mitchell Drive, about 8km south-west of Margaret River. The 8.1ha site is zoned for ‘Future Development’ and ‘Tourism’ under the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Local Planning Scheme 1.
EPA Chair Darren Walsh said members were cognisant of the significant public interest in the project and acknowledged that the proposed development would result in a change to the natural landscape and visual character of the environment.
“However, limiting the design’s maximum height limit to seven metres within the proposed resort area and eight metres within the village area will facilitate an environmental outcome consistent with the EPA’s objectives,” he said. “And the project layout has been designed to retain connectivity of fauna habitat around the site and maintain a buffer for the protection and preservation of a registered Aboriginal heritage site.
“During the assessment the EPA encouraged further consultation with the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation. And the EPA report recommends conditions for further consultation with Traditional Owners and an ethnographic and archaeological site identification Aboriginal heritage survey to be undertaken prior to any disturbance.”
Mr Walsh said the EPA had also provided other advice in its report on matters raised during public consultation that were outside its statutory remit. Such matters included traffic congestion, bushfire safety, future wastewater management for the Prevelly-Gnarabup region, and economic benefits.
The EPA’s report to the Minister for the Environment is now open for a three-week public appeal period, closing 18 June 2025. Appeals should be directed to the Office of the Appeals Convenor. The Minister will make the final decision on the proposal. EPA Report 1782 can be found on the EPA website.
EPA Media Contact: Jenni.Storey@dwer.wa.gov.au; 0434 734 997
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