AN eco tourism resort on the Murray River near Corowa which proposed to accommodate up to 600 people when fully completed has been rejected.
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The Western Regional Planning Panel chaired by Gordon Kirkby unanimously rejected the proposal on Spring Drive.
The hearing was attended by an estimated 50 people including the most vocal opponent, neighbouring property owner, Robert Pearce.
"It's a real relief and a win for the environment," he said.
"The Environmental Defenders Office wouldn't have acted for us if they didn't feel it was in the public interest and posing a real risk to the environment.
"I won't be here forever, but you'd like to think whoever is here will have a similar environment to what we have now.
"It is already under extreme stress and I'm still convinced it would have set a precedent to see widespread destruction of the river habitat."
The panel was made up of Mr Kirkby, Mark Grayson, Ruth Fagan and local representatives Bill Bott and Ian Kreutzberger.
Planning consultants Warwick Horsfall and Ben Fryer spoke on behalf of the eco tourism resport proponents, Warrawidgee Pty Ltd.
Speakers against the proposal were Murray River Action Group chairman Richard Sargood, Corowa Rescue Squad founding member Peter Wright OAM, another adjoining landowner Dr Michael Love and South-West Anglers Association's Chris Beale.
Noel Wilson also read a statement on behalf former NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen, who was unable to attend due to a commitment in Sydney.
The $10 million project suffered a major blow when a recently tabled independent assessment recommended it be refused on six key points including the site being unsuitable for the proposed activities.
