New port valid

Actually, Mario and I have similar ideas regarding some aspects of the Roe 8 extension.

There are two factors regarding this issue: the first is the idea of keeping Fremantle as a working port because of sentimental and historical reasons.

We have heard that Fremantle would ‘die’ if it lost the port. However, it’s none too flash at the moment, port or not.

If Fremantle is to remain an important cargo/container port, then the second problem is how do you get the stuff out of the port? By road or rail?

The earlier road plan took traffic over the Stirling Bridge and on to a new Fremantle by-pass to connect with the extended Roe Highway. This was scuttled for political gain.

The other option is rail. The rail line north from Fremantle is commuters only into Perth. The other rail line going south cuts through the main tourist area and past the vulnerable Round House.

I’m sure a constant flow of very long and high-capacity freight trains through the heart of Fremantle would be very popular.

Surely, another option is another port. I have no interest in Mr Buckridge or his business interests, but is not his idea of a port in the Cockburn Sound area sensible?

That area could be linked to a freight rail system and heavy road traffic diverted from more densely populated areas.

As regards the use of roads, I concur with Mario. However, more population means more cars and more freight means more trucks (if we don’t sort out the port).

I take on board Mario’s comments about not living next to the Roe 8 extension. However, I live at the junction of South Street and the Kwinana Freeway (and have done so for more than 30 years).

Within about 100 metres from my back fence I have a busy suburban road, South Street (destined to get busier with the opening of Fiona Stanley), the Freeway and the main rail line into Perth.

Main Roads have recently installed ‘noise walls’ in the area and there is some improvement.

The upside is having excellent road and rail facilities on the doorstep.