The Roe 8 and 9 Perth Freight Link project has officially come to a close after the finalisation of an amendment to the Metropolitan Region Scheme.
Construction on the road could no longer go ahead after the WA government removed the Primary Regional Roads reservation form the MRS, with high environmental and heritage significance areas now reserved for parks and recreation.
It was originally planned as a freight route for trucks travelling to Fremantle port, but the current WA government saw the $450 million price tag as too high a cost.
“This amendment marks a significant milestone in the WA government’s 2017 election commitment to scrap the destructive Perth Freight Link project,” says state planning minister John Carey.
“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.”
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.
The finalisation of the MRS amendment comes after an extensive engagement program with stakeholders including local governments, community groups, local education providers, recreation groups and the broader community.
“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 government have shut this destructive and thoughtless project down,” says Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk.
“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.”
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