Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti will reintroduce legislation to State Parliament today to amend the Metropolitan Region Scheme and rezone the Beeliar Wetlands.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Metropolitan Region Scheme (Beeliar Wetlands) Bill 2021 will rezone approximately 34 hectares from a Primary Regional Roads reserve to a Parks and Recreation reserve. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Legislation is a mechanism reserved for planning matters of State or regional significance and will ensure this area is protected from development forever.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Legislation to change the zoning of the land was passed by the Legislative Assembly but was not supported by the Legislative Council during the last term of government. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Comments attributed to Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti: <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"We went to the 2017 election with a comprehensive plan for freight and trade for Western Australia. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"We are implementing this plan, including planning for a new port in Kwinana, moving more freight onto rail and not proceeding with the flawed Perth Freight Link Plan. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"As a result, we can move to preserve the Beeliar Wetlands for future generations. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"We introduced legislation in the last Parliament which passed the Legislative Assembly.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"Now we have been returned to Government, again with a mandate to pass this important legislation and we are getting on with the job. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"With this Bill, we are finishing the job and delivering on our commitment to protect the Beeliar Wetlands for future generations.\"<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Comments attributed to Lands Minister Tony Buti:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"In recent times we have seen a renewed appreciation for accessible bushland for hiking, running and simply enjoying nature.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"Once again, we heard from the Western Australian community at the recent election how much they value these important wetlands and want them protected from future development.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"We have listened and are introducing legislation to rezone the land so it can no longer be used to construct a useless road, and must instead be retained for parks and recreation purposes.\"<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson: <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"The Beeliar Wetlands are a beautiful part of WA and we want to make sure they can be enjoyed by the community for many years to come. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"We've already granted the wetlands the highest level of environmental protection available by turning it into an A-Class conservation reserve. This Bill strengthens that protection and ensures this fragile ecosystem is safeguarded from future development. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"This builds on our key election commitment to contribute $3 million to deliver a new boardwalk, viewing platform and additional revegetation works at the wetlands.\" <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Transport and Planning Minister's office - 6552 5500<\/p>\n
Lands Minister's office - 6552 6400<\/p>\n
Environment Minister's office - 6552 5900<\/p>\n
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See more here: <\/p>\n
McGowan Government to permanently protect Beeliar Wetlands - Media Statements<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti will reintroduce legislation to State Parliament today to amend the Metropolitan Region Scheme and rezone the Beeliar Wetlands. Continue reading