The Western Australian government has successfully fulfilled its commitment to terminate the contentious Roe 8 and 9 Perth Freight Link project.
This milestone was achieved through the finalisation of an amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS), effectively preventing the road’s construction.
The amendment has removed the Primary Regional Roads reservation from the MRS, with areas of high environmental and heritage value now designated for Parks and Recreation.
Other sections, primarily cleared or developed land, will be rezoned for urban uses, opening up possibilities for housing, local open space, recreation, private education, and commercial development.
Despite attempts by the WA Greens to delay the process through a disallowance motion on the final day of the amendment’s tabling in Parliament, the Bill was passed, officially shutting down the Roe 8 and 9 Perth Freight Link project.
Planning Minister John Carey hailed the amendment as a significant achievement, stating: “This amendment marks a significant milestone in the WA government’s 2017 election commitment to scrap the destructive Perth Freight Link project.”
He emphasised that the decision provides certainty to stakeholders and the community, confirming that the road will not proceed.
Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk expressed pride in the government’s action, describing the Perth Freight Link as “a road to nowhere”.
She highlighted the rezoning as an opportunity to ensure permanent protection of significant conservation and heritage areas for future generations.
The finalisation of the MRS amendment follows extensive engagement with various stakeholders, including local governments, community groups, education providers, and recreation groups.
This decision marks the end of a long-standing controversy surrounding the Perth Freight Link project, which was initially announced in 2014 but cancelled following a change in government in 2017.
The WA government’s action aligns with their election promises and responds to community concerns about the project’s environmental and social impacts.
