Published
12 March 2003
Ministers
Bypass assessment released
12/3/03 The period for public submissions on the proposal to delete the Fremantle Eastern Bypass from the Metropolitan Region Scheme has been extended to 5pm Monday, April 7.
12/3/03
The period for public submissions on the proposal to delete the Fremantle Eastern Bypass from the Metropolitan Region Scheme has been extended to 5pm Monday, April 7.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the extension would allow the community to consider the Western Australian Planning Commission's Assessment of the Fremantle Eastern Bypass and the Preferred Alternative, which was released today.
Ms MacTiernan said the Planning Commission had made a detailed assessment of the State Government's proposal to delete the bypass and manage freight movements through its six-point strategy, compared with a plan to build the bypass, Roe Highway Stage 8 and a Controlled Access Highway to Russell Road.
The impacts of both proposed alternatives were also compared against these if the existing road network was left largely unchanged.
"The assessment will make a valuable contribution to the already vigorous public discussion," the Minister said.
"It looks at the economic, environmental and social impacts, as well as forecasting traffic movement patterns up to 30 years into the future.
"It estimates the economic cost benefit ratio of the Government's approach at more than three times better than that of the bypass proposal, when construction and land costs and the likely costs of vehicle operation and traffic accidents are taken into account.
The report also highlights the adverse impacts of bringing Roe Highway Stage 8 through the Beeliar Wetlands.
"The traffic impact assessment shows that with staged upgrades of Stock Road, High Street and Leach Highway, the road network can adequately handle forecast traffic increases up to 2031.
"It is important to remember that most of the traffic volume increase is private and local traffic, which has nothing to do with the port or with industrial freight and this growth will be occurring throughout the metropolitan area.
"Simply pouring money into massive road projects will be no solution.
"As a community we have to look at making better use of transport infrastructure, such as better public transport, better community design and better traffic management and as individuals we will have to consider how we use motor vehicles."
Ms MacTiernan said it was important to note that the assessment would be considered alongside numerous other written and verbal submissions to the Planning Commission.
"The upgrades for the alternative Leach Highway, Stock Road and High Street proposed in the assessment do not have Government endorsement and would require more detailed investigation and wide community consultation," she said.
Ms MacTiernan said the assessment documents included a summary report and four technical reports:
- Economic (cost benefit evaluation);
- Environmental Impact Assessment;
- Social Impact Assessment; and
- Traffic Impact Assessment.
Minister's office: 9213 6400
