THE proposed construction of Roe Highway stage 8 continues to evoke mixed responses with the launch of the South Metro Connect (SMC) project team last Wednesday.
Transport Minister Simon O’Brien announced the creation of the SMC project team to manage the environmental approvals, engineering design and community engagement processes for the highway extension.
He said the team, which would be made up of senior Main Roads officers and personnel from environmental and engineering consulting firm AECOM, would be responsible for ensuring strict environ- mental guidelines and approvals were met.
While the City of Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said the city endorsed Mr O’Brien’s comment that the team would meet the highest possible environmental standard, other community members were up in arms over the announcement.
Wetlands Conservation Society president Philip Jennings said the minister seemed to be ignoring the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) past advice that it was unlikely that any route for Roe 8 could be made environmentally acceptable.
“His approach is based on the idea of pushing Roe 8 through regardless and refusing to consider other alternatives, such as improving the rail network and implementing the decisions of the Freight Network Review,” he said.
“This consultative group is made up of people who are committed to building Roe 8 so there is no chance that they will be interested in finding alternatives.”
However, Mr Aubrey said the City was intent on seeing the bypass happen, and at the earliest possible time.
“In a survey the city conducted, 83 per cent of Melville respondents agreed the bypass should be built,” he said.
He said the city needed a bypass for the health of its residents.
Bateman MLA Christian Porter also welcomed the SMC project team announcement.
“The extension of Roe Highway will assist in keeping trucks off Leach Highway and South Street – relieving traffic congestion and addressing safety, noise and environmental concerns,” he said.
Mr Jennings said the Wetlands Conservation Society would continue to interact with the EPA and the Federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
They would put the case that Roe 8 is not needed and that building a major freeway between North and Bibra lakes is not suitable or environmentally responsible.