Opinion: Not only hippies protesting Roe 8

IN recent weeks many doctors normally to be found working the hospital wards or consulting in general practice have taken time out to protest among concerned crowds opposed to the Beeliar Wetlands Roe 8 Highway development.

For myself this has involved travelling a considerable distance to Beeliar from home in Gnangara since before Christmas most weekdays to support the local action; meaning a 6am start in the mornings to get back to morning surgery by 9am.

I am a GP who grew up in the Perth area after my Russian parents arrived as refugees after World War II.

Our family always loved the unique WA bush and our holidays were spent bushwalking and exploring wilderness areas.

I am greatly distressed when the last remnants of old forest are bulldozed for “progress”, especially in an area as significant as the Beeliar Wetlands.

I have made a major effort to go to most protest action days since the seemingly wilful desecration of these precious banksia woodlands and wetlands by the Barnett government commenced in December.

I have met many other doctors at this peaceful protest who share my frustration.

It is sad that the protests have gone unheeded by our current Minister for the Environment and the Premier.

Acknowledging the professional status and esteemed worthy academic qualifications of many demonstrators taking extreme measures, it is apparent that many law abiding citizens who are not “just hippies” are standing up for what matters – ancient remnants of urban bush, native and endangered species and the right to free protest.

DR GREG GLAZOV,

Gnangara.