Premier Colin Barnett said last week it was unlikely the Roe 8 project would go ahead in the current term of government.
Dr Nahan had been a strong advocate for the highway extension in his two election campaigns and refused to concede the project was unlikely to go ahead.
‘The Premier has repeatedly said that Roe 8 will still happen and, in Parliament this week, he reiterated the State Government’s commitment to this vital highway extension,’ Dr Nahan said.
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READ NOW‘The Treasurer has made it clear that once the environmental approval process has been completed and the associated conditions endorsed, then a more accurate picture of this project can be developed.
‘This State Government has a lot of capital works projects in the pipeline due to eight years of neglect to Perth’s metropolitan road network by the Opposition.
‘As a result, the State Government has had to make some adjustments to the timing of this and other projects
‘At the end of the day, unlike the Opposition, this State Government remains committed to building the Roe 8 extension.’
The Roe 8 extension will be approximately 5km, running from Kwinana Freeway in Jandakot to Stock Road in Coolbelup, through the Beeliar Wetlands.
It supporters believe it is imperative to improve traffic flow and improve safety in Canning by giving trucks an alternative route to Leach Highway.
The Labor Party is opposed to the project but transport spokesman Ken Travers accused the government of betraying voters.
‘Another day, another broken promise by the Barnett Government,’ Mr Travers said.
‘The Liberal Party has consistently promised to build Roe 8, claiming it was a defining difference between Labor and Liberal in the southern suburbs.
‘At the 2008 State Election, the Liberal Party promised to build Roe Stage 8 in its first term of government.
‘Roe 8 has always been a hollow promise, the Barnett Government knows it will not fix the traffic problems in the area, which is why Mr Barnett will continue to promise it, but never deliver.’
Save Beeliar Wetlands spokeswoman Kate Kelly said welcomed the delay.
‘The local community will breathe a sigh of relief at the Premier’s statement, but we know the battle is not won yet,’ she said.
‘This community is determined to see the Beeliar Wetlands permanently protected, and the threat of the road removed from the Metropolitan Region Scheme once and for all.’