The McGowan Government has delivered on its commitment to permanently protect the Beeliar Wetlands, with legislation passing the Legislative Council.
The Metropolitan Region Scheme (Beeliar Wetlands) Bill 2021 will now be given Royal Assent and signed into law.
The legislation rezones approximately 34 hectares of the wetlands from a Primary Regional Roads reserve to a Parks and Recreation reserve, stopping any future destructive road development, while a scheme amendment strengthens its A-Class status.
During its first term of government, the McGowan Government listened to the community and stopped the Liberal Party's flawed Perth Freight Link from proceeding and destroying the wetlands.
In May 2020, the McGowan Government delivered its commitment to protect the wetlands, turning it into an A-Class conservation reserve - giving it the highest level of environmental protection.
Funding set aside for the flawed Perth Freight Link was diverted to other major job-creating, congestion-busting road and rail projects - many of which are completed or underway.
With a location for the new container port now confirmed for Kwinana, work is well underway for planning for a primary east-west freight corridor along Anketell and Thomas roads.
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"It's been a long battle, but today we can say that our Government has permanently protected the Beeliar Wetlands.
"We were returned to Government in March with a mandate to protect the Beeliar Wetlands and we have worked swiftly to deliver on that commitment.
"We have a comprehensive plan for freight and trade for Western Australia and are working to implement this plan.
"Work includes planning for a new port in Kwinana, moving more freight onto rail and not proceeding with the flawed Perth Freight Link Plan."
