Protest group calls for EPA examination

The Preserve Gnarabup protest group is calling on the developers of a proposed resort to submit their project to environmental assessment as the latest move in the year-long saga. Group spokeswoman Beth Carlessi said the Saracen Properties Westin Margaret River Spa & Resort must be examined by WA’s Environmental Protection Authority or the group itself would refer it. “Gnarabup is a unique stretch of headland, a rare protected beach backed by undeveloped coastal heath and a fragile limestone karst cliff system, and Aboriginal heritage place,” Ms Carlessi said. “If Luke Saraceni doesn’t refer the development application to the EPA, and the State Development Assessment Unit doesn’t refer it, Preserve Gnarabup will. “This development will have a massive impact on this fragile site and we will put the best case we can forward to the EPA to ask for it to be assessed.” Development project manager Joel Saraceni said the company would comply with all environmental and planning obligations, with the project still due for lodgement with the State DAU after Easter. Preserve Gnarabup remained concerned about the capacity of the Gnarabup wastewater treatment plant.