Decision to axe Eastern Bypass road condemned

24/6/93

Planning Minister Richard Lewis today condemned the previous government for its decision to axe the controversial Fremantle Eastern Bypass road.

Mr Lewis said the decision by former Planning Minister David Smith was illogical and one that threatened the region's economic growth.

He told the Legislative Assembly that the road reserve was needed to provide a key north-south link between Stirling Highway, which served the northern suburbs, and communities in the southern corridor.

"The proposed route also connects several important east-west highways, namely, Canning, Leach and Roe Highways," the Minister said.

"In addition, it also delivers the benefits of improved access to the Port facilities and the Fremantle town centre."

Mr Lewis said the previous government stood condemned for removing the reservation in October 1992.

"As a result of the previous government's ill-advised actions, a totally illogical situation now exists," he said.

Mr Lewis said that without the bypass, there would be serious implications for the future planning and growth of the region.

"Without the bypass, there will be severe constraints upon the ability of the port and local industry to increase their contribution to the region's economy," he told the House.

"But perhaps even more importantly, there will be a detrimental impact on the quality of life of people living in that part of Fremantle.

"This will result from predominantly residential streets being forced to carry through-traffic seeking to filter its way to destinations in the Fremantle area."

Mr Lewis said the strength of objections raised at the time of the amendment should have signalled to the former government that its actions were not prudent.

He said these included objections from the State Planning Commission, the Main Roads Department, the Department of Transport, the Fremantle Port Authority and local government authorities including the cities of Rockingham, Melville and Cockburn.

"From every view point the decision taken by the former government to remove the reservation was without justification," Mr Lewis said.

Media Contact: Paul Plowman 222 9595 : 221 1377