Petition to block resort proposal

A proposed multimillion-dollar resort at Goode Beach is facing a growing campaign from opponents with more than 2500 people signing a petition opposing the development.

As revealed by the Albany Advertiser in September, a 51-unit complex has been proposed by Ahola Planning for La Perouse Road, situated between Lake Vancouver and Goode Beach.

Plans for the development have since been withdrawn after the Department of Fire and Emergency Services raised concerns, but the plans are expected to be presented to Albany City Council in coming months.

Citing environmental fragility and cultural heritage, Goode Beach resident Ian Herford began the online petition on Thursday, calling on the City of Albany and the WA State Government to oppose the development.

“The proposal involves substantial clearing of native vegetation, flattening of the coastal dunes in close proximity to the lake at a point especially vulnerable to storm surges, and development of a road through the wetlands, threatening several animals and plants of conservation significance,” the petition stated.

“The proposal will also compromise important historical and Aboriginal cultural heritage areas, and increase risks associated with safe evacuation from wildfires threatening Goode Beach.”

Within four days the petition had reached more than 2500 signatures, five times the original target of 500, despite Goode Beach having a population of less than 250.

The proposal has come under fire from various groups including the Frenchman Bay Association which has raised concerns about environmental protection.

In an interview with the Albany Advertiser, Mayor Dennis Wellington said the luxury resort at Goode Beach would be a “string to our bow” for the region.

“I think it would be an excellent development it — would be another string to our bow,” he said.

“It would be good if we could have a Bunker Bay-style development out there but it’s just a matter of going through the correct framework.”

The proponent Ahola Planning was contacted for comment but did not respond to requests.

Mr Herford was also unable to be contacted by time of print.

At time of print 2582 people had signed the online petition opposing the development.