Big turnout for Gnarabup review call

The community group opposed to a resort development at Gnarabup were buoyed at news more than 1200 submissions were made during last week’s seven-day call from WA’s Environmental Protection Authority. The public comment period was to determine whether a full environmental review of the Westin Margaret River Spa & Resort project was warranted. Preserve Gnarabup spokesperson Beth Carlessi said feedback showed “the vast majority called for the highest possible environmental assessment of the proposed housing estate and resort development”. More than 80 per cent of submissions called for the highest public environmental review – the same review which triggered a community campaign against a coal mine at Osmington early last decade. “This is an amazing result,” Ms Carlessi said. “The people of Margaret River and those that love our region and Gnarabup have quickly responded and made sure their voice was heard on the proposed development of Gnarabup headland and its environmental impact. “People often feel they can’t have a say in government processes, but this is a fantastic example of people speaking up in numbers that can’t be ignored.” The group said it would be “irresponsible” to further the development without the review. The EPA chair would make a decision on the review in coming weeks.