Environmental Protection Authority opens public comment on public review for Gnarabup proposal

Another week, another environmental assessment for the proposed Gnarabup resort and village development, with news WA’s Environmental Protection Authority has opened public consultation for feedback.

Preserve Gnarabup spokeswoman Beth Carlessi said the latest round of scrutiny was a good chance for concerned residents to have their input.

“The EPA has published the developer’s plans for the studies they think they need to do to assess the environmental impact of the development,” she said.

“This document is called the draft environmental scoping document.

“We now have until 28 September 2022 at 11.59pm to make submissions to the EPA on how the draft ESD should be amended to ensure the key environmental impacts are studied and not avoided by the developer.

“This is a critical point in making sure the environmental impact of the development is assessed and understood.”

Ms Carlessi said she was reassured the EPA assessment was at its highest possible level, but the proposed studies were “inadequate”.

The group’s focus was on a range of complex issues affecting the site in a context of protecting native flora and fauna as well as the effects of climate change and the social impact of the proposed resort and accompanying village development.

Wastewater treatment options for the increased Gnarabup population was also flagged as a key issue.

The Water Corporation is investigating options which include piping water direct into the Margaret River supply.