State Government to Appeal Roe 8 Decision

THE State Government is set to appeal a court decision to roadblock Roe 8, the first stage of the $1.65 billion Perth Freight Link (PFL).

The Government will also ask the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to reassess its proposal for the controversial highway.

Roe 8 will link Roe Highway to Stock Road via wetlands in Bibra Lake.

In December the WA Supreme Court ruled conditional approval granted by the EPA for Roe 8 was invalid.

At the time Premier Colin Barnett said the decision would delay but not end the PFL.

Today he confirmed his Government would appeal the decision.

“An appeal is necessary to provide clarity for assessment and approval processes undertaken by State agencies and local governments,” he said.

“The decision to appeal is based on advice from the State Solicitor’s Office that it considers there are valid grounds to support an appeal.

“The Supreme Court’s decision is likely to have implications more broadly for government decision-making.

“The decision’s importance extends beyond just Roe 8 – it is an important one for all of government because it deals with the question of when a government policy becomes a mandatory relevant consideration for decision-making.”

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the State Government would also call on the EPA to again consider its Roe 8 proposal.

The public will have an opportunity for public comment.

“The EPA will decide how the assessment will proceed,” he said.

“The EPA has advised me that it proposes the reassessment will be undertaken by the new chairman and delegates, who are yet to be appointed.”