- Approval removed for road construction in the Beeliar Wetlands
- McGowan Labor Government's commitment to protect Beeliar Wetlands confirmed
- Alternatives to flawed Perth Freight Link plan already underway
The McGowan Labor Government has introduced further protections to the Beeliar Wetlands by removing approvals put in place by the former government when planning to build the flawed Perth Freight Link.
Main Roads Western Australia has applied to amend environmental approvals for the Perth Freight Link to remove consent to build a road west of Bibra Drive to Stock Road, passing through the Beeliar Wetlands.
The proposed changes will result in a reduction in the land permitted for road construction from 167 hectares (ha) to 81.2 ha.
The remaining 85.8 ha within the project development envelope will be rehabilitated, along with the large sections of vegetation that had been cleared prior to the last election, west of Bibra Drive.
Meanwhile, all land owned in freehold by the State Government - north of Hope Road and west of Bibra Drive - will be amalgamated and set aside as an A-Class conservation reserve to be managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
This process will be given priority by the Government and it is likely this will be achieved within the next 12 months.
A Rehabilitation Management Plan (Roe 8 Cleared Areas) has been prepared by the Rehabilitating Roe 8 Working Group and is currently being considered by government for adoption and implementation.
Comments attributed to Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Removing approval for the road to be built is one of our options to secure the long-term future of the former Roe 8 alignment as parkland.
"Others include the formal deletion of the road reservation from the Metropolitan Region Scheme, which will take some time to progress.
"Meanwhile, we continue to work on a number of alternatives to the flawed Perth Freight Link plan such as development of more intermodal terminals, planning for the Outer Harbour, increasing the freight on rail subsidy and upgrading High Street."
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This is an excellent environmental outcome as it means government approval to build a large road over highly sensitive wetlands has now been revoked.
"The McGowan Labor Government will continue to work on options to ensure this environmental jewel in Perth's metropolitan region is protected for generations to come."
Transport and Planning Minister's office - 6552 5500
Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800
