More than a minority are against Roe 8

RECENT comments by City of Cockburn councillor Steven Portelli, Councillor extends support, Gazette, May 26, cannot go unchallenged.

His statement that “At present there is a loud minority saying no to Roe 8” is so untrue.

This ‘loud minority’ presented a 4000-signature petition to the State Government in May 2009, a further 2500 signatures in April 2010, and a 1000-signature petition in May 2015.

Public rallies were also held at Bibra Lake in February 2001, November 2009 and August 2011.

Each drew over 1000 supporters.

In addition to these rallies, many smaller events have been held over that period.

Mr Portelli, these figures and actions are not of a ‘loud minority’.

In the article, you say “We want a design to minimise the impact on the wetland area”.

In a similar article in September 2011, you said, “Building Roe 8 could improve the Beeliar wetlands environment”.

In the same breath, you said, “sometimes the environment is compromised in the name of progress”.

We cannot improve an area of quality bushland by bulldozing a great ugly scar and building a concrete and bitumen truck highway through it.

The environment has been compromised for far too long.

Mr Portelli, if you took a walk along the proposed route of this highway in the North Lake reserve, I am sure you would be impressed by the tranquillity and beauty of it and would flinch at the thought of its possible fate.

Or would you?

Many dedicate and caring people who have spent years and in some cases decades in restoration work in and around our precious wetlands would have been disappointed, if not insulted, by your description of them.

But I know they will continue on with their good work for the benefit of the whole community.

REX SALLUR, Bibra Lake.