Resort protest group Preserve Gnarabup and coastal residents demand halt to planning scheme advertising

Two community groups governing the Margaret River coast have called on the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to halt any further public consultation on upcoming changes to the planning scheme.

Protest group Preserve Gnarabup has banded with the Margaret River Coastal Residents Association in the daring move they say is needed because of what they see as worrying, hitherto undisclosed changes to key coastal sites.

Of key concern were proposed changes to zoning for lots involved in the contentious Westin Margaret River Spa & Resort project which faces adjudication directly by the State Government’s State Development Assessment Unit.

In a letter to Shire chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown received by the Times, the request also looped in WA Government Ministers and the State’s Corruption and Crime Commission.

“It is extremely disturbing that changes of this magnitude could have made their way into a public consultation process without the knowledge or oversight of the elected Shire president and council members,” the co-signed letter said.

“The Local Planning Scheme 2 process of preparation and consultation has clearly run off the rails and is no longer under the supervision of council to any adequate degree.

“The public cannot have any confidence in a document that has been put out for consultation when the council is unaware of the contents of it and has no supporting documentation to explain the genesis or justification for these extraordinary changes.”

The Times has sought a detailed response from the Shire to clarify the proposed changes and the process that delivered them.

Ms Addison-Brown did not indicate any plans to stop the scheme advertising.

“Advertising of the planning scheme is being undertaken as required by the relevant legislation and decisions of the council and State Government,” she said.

“The Shire encourages the community broadly to engage in the scheme review process and welcomes those with specific interests to make submissions highlighting their views.”

MRCRA president Mr Wilson said coastal ratepayers were alarmed at the proposed changes that were “of great concern” and perceived to directly benefit the developer.

“These major zoning changes were not relayed by Shire executive staff in June 2023 briefings to inform residents of proposed changes in LPS2,” he said.

“It would also appear elected members were unaware of the changes to LPS2 following the June briefing held by Shire planning staff.

“If this is the case, serious questions need to be asked.”

The complaint letter also took aim at communication with the Shire planning department.

“There is an enormous (potential) financial benefit to the affected landowner, and an enormous potential detriment to the interests of the community and the environment,” the letter said.

“That they could have occurred without council’s attention being brought to bear on them is an indictment on the practices and culture within the planning department of the Augusta-Margaret River Shire.”

The Shire said full details of the scheme could be seen online at yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/local-planning-scheme-no-2.