- Cook Labor Government commitment to bring the Roe 8 and 9 Perth Freight Link project to a close has been completed
- Metropolitan Region Scheme amendment removes regional road reservation ensuring areas of significant environmental and heritage value are protected
The Cook Labor Government has delivered on its commitment to close out the destructive Roe 8 and 9 Perth Freight Link project with the finalisation of an amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) - meaning this road can no longer go ahead.
The amendment removes the Primary Regional Roads reservation from the MRS, with areas of the highest environmental and heritage significance now reserved for Parks and Recreation.
Other parts that are largely cleared or already developed will be rezoned for urban uses which allows for a variety of opportunities such as housing, local open space, recreation, private education, commercial and mixed use, which will be determined through subsequent stages of planning.
Despite delay tactics from the WA Greens, who moved a disallowance motion on the twelfth and final day that the MRS amendment was required to be tabled in Parliament, the Bill has been passed and the Roe 8 and 9 Perth Freight Link project has officially been shut down.
The finalisation of the MRS amendment follows an extensive engagement program with stakeholders including local governments, community groups, local education providers, recreation groups and the broader community.
As stated by Planning Minister John Carey:
"This amendment marks a significant milestone in the WA Labor Government's 2017 election commitment to scrap the destructive Perth Freight Link project.
"The road reservation has long been a barrier to planning for the Fremantle/Cockburn area, and the finalisation of this amendment provides certainty to all stakeholders and the community that this road can no longer go ahead.
"The inclusion of urban-zoned land also enables a mixture of other local uses to be contemplated through subsequent stages of planning, with opportunities to boost housing supply and rejuvenate parts of the corridor."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"We all knew the Roe 8 and 9 and the failed Perth Freight Link was a road to nowhere and I'm proud that our WA Labor Government have shut this destructive and thoughtless project down.
"It was telling that it was the Liberal-Nationals who voted in favour of the Greens' motion.
"The rezoning presents an unparalleled opportunity to ensure permanent protection of significant conservation and heritage areas, which the local community can now enjoy for generations to come.
"The community has long advocated for the removal of the regional road reserve and protection of the environmental and cultural assets within, and this amendment is a testament to their dedication and efforts."
