Surf Lifesavers beg for future plan for beach access as residents bemoan carparking chaos at Gnarabup

The rapid growth in junior surf lifesaving is creating headaches at one of the region’s most popular beaches. And residents say the chaos around carparking and beach access is only going to get worse if and when the Westin Margaret River Resort and Spa project starts construction. Margaret River Surf Life Saving Club president Richard Lee-Pullen said discussions with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River about the growing club’s needs were yet to lead anywhere, with members now forced to park hundreds of metres away, despite the need to lug equipment as well as escort younger members safely. Although WA’s Surf Life Saving association was building a major development centre in Margaret River, the base wouldn’t alleviate problems on the coast and Mr Lee-Pullen hoped to win support for a permanent beach clubhouse. “We would like to see some support from the Shire with regard to beach access and parking,” the president said. “The town is growing, but the amenities at popular beaches like Gnarabup have not. “It is annoying that a not-for-profit community group like MRSLSC – which is beneficial to both locals and visitors in terms of water safety and training – is not prioritised over cafe customers.” Mr Lee-Pullen said the Shire made it “very difficult”. “We must apply every year for a permit to run activities at Gnarabup, and they are very particular about where our members can park,” he said. “Our members are locals, with the same entitlements to use the carpark near the White Elephant Cafe as the non-ratepaying visitors. “And if there’s not enough parking, what are they doing to relieve the situation?” Mr Lee-Pullen said MRSLSC wanted the Shire to start planning for future needs “and to stop being so disengaged”. The Shire declined to respond to Times inquiries. As temperature rose last year, the Shire suggested car-pooling and other options in the face of congestion issues, noting any new carparks would entail unacceptable clearing of coastal vegetation. The comments come as residents voiced ongoing objections to difficulties accessing Gnarabup and surrounding beaches which were also recently subject to big changes for people exercising their dogs. Margaret River Coastal Residents Association president Adrian Wilson said the only possible short-term solution was for the junior lifesavers to start even earlier in the day. “It’s a difficult problem,” he said “There are many competing activities for the limited space at Gnarabup Beach.” MRCRA noted full carparks during Nippers training with “gridlock” and traffic backed up along nearby roads. Once users started to access the boat ramp as well, beachgoers faced 10-minute laps of the carpark hoping for a space. “I have heard there are many residents opposed to dedicated lifesaver parking on Sunday morning,” Mr Wilson said. “This would exclude swimmers, dog walkers, surfers, paddlers, walking groups and cafe patrons who travel from town and beyond.” Parking was “unsustainable” and only set to get worse when the resort came online, Mr Wilson said.