More than 2600 submissions on Gnarabup resort proposal in Environmental Protection Authority call

The protest group fighting a resort and village proposal at the coast have had their say, responding en mass to recent public consultation on the project.

Surfrider Margaret River’s Preserve Gnarabup campaign against the proposed Westin Margaret River Spa & Resort — as well as plans for new homes and a small commercial centre — netted almost 2700 submissions during recent public feedback.

Comments were sought by WA’s Environmental Protection Authority on the project’s environmental review document as it moves towards the WA Planning Commission’s State Development Assessment Unit.

Surfrider spokesperson Beth Carlessi said the 2690 submissions received during the four-week window should make Premier Roger Cook and authorities take notice of public sentiment against the resort.

“It shows how precious this land is to the community and visitors to the area, and how well loved it is,” she said.

Ms Carlessi said a key plank of the EPA assessment was reviewing the effects not just on the environment, but social amenity.

The submission news followed project manager Joel Saraceni expressing concerns the Surfrider campaign relied on “misinformation”.

Mr Saraceni said the Preserve Gnarabup website portrayed the project as taking over the headland and nearby beach, which would influence the feedback from those not familiar with the area or the project history.

“Community consultations play a crucial role in the planning process, and I’ve seen firsthand how community input can lead to much better outcomes,” he said.

“However, when a vocal, organised group spreads misinformation just to block development on land that’s been zoned for this purpose for over 20 years, it ultimately does a disservice to the community.”

Of the submissions, the EPA denoted 2252 were considered “pro-forma” and came from submissions collected by volunteers at information booths.