The State Government has introduced further protections to the Beeliar Wetlands by removing approvals put in place by the former government’s Perth Freight Link plan.
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.