PFL no solution

I DON'T believe I am “xenophobic” or “short sighted”, and I have done my best to be well informed on both the positive and negative aspects of the PFL.

The 60-year-old plan Dorothy Davidson wrote of in her letter is just that � “old”. Times have changed.

It was created back in the days when wetlands and remnant bush were seen as rubbish tips and not worth preserving.

Perth was not the sprawling city it is today.

The original freight route was intended as a loop road to go around the outskirts of residential areas, but in the Perth of today the proposed road will cut a swathe through our suburbs.

Many roads on that original plan have already been deleted and the land put to other use.

I don’t agree that Bibra Lake will be enhanced by a four-lane highway. I don’t think too many people would view such a road through their suburb as an enhancement.

It is planned to be pushed through our much-loved and well-frequented wetlands and green spaces; a beautiful area where we exercise, recreate, socialise and enjoy nature.

No amount of remediation will restore the peace and tranquillity of our neighbourhood, compensate for the loss of wildlife habitat or eliminate the noise and air pollution from the road trains, despite what the Government may promise.

Large numbers of trucks and road trains do not belong here, nor do they belong in the City of Melville, or indeed on any of our suburban roads.

There are numerous alternative options to the PFL being suggested on various websites and in social media discussions.

Many cities have moved, or are looking at moving, their ports beyond their city boundaries to eliminate large amounts of freight traffic through their suburban areas.

Long-term and effective solutions that work for everyone need to be found, rather than rushing in to spend exorbitant amounts on building roads that simply transfer the problem from one area to another, causing damage to our environment and our communities in the process.

LIZ KLOOSTERMAN,

Bibra Lake.