Roe 8 jobs secured as environmental rehabilitation gets underway
26 May 2017
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231 jobs secured on new congestion-busting projects across Perth
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Sensitive wetlands and valued bushland in Roe 8 corridor to be rehabilitated
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A community-led group will revegetate the site in the winter months
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McGowan Government creating more than 6,000 jobs through 18 new road projects across WA
WA Government: The rehabilitation of the Roe 8 site is now underway, marking the conclusion of a successful negotiation process to redeploy workers to new projects and secure jobs.
Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti today visited workers managing the early rehabilitation program.
The initial rehabilitation program forms part of a package of work awarded to the former Roe 8 Alliance to safeguard jobs and bring forward alternative projects that will relieve congestion on Western Australia's road network.
The Rehabilitating Roe 8 Working Group, chaired by the Bicton MLA Lisa O'Malley, is overseeing the site remediation and looking at opportunities to maximise community participation in the rehabilitation activities.
Initial works by the alliance will focus on weed control, removal of mulch piles and installation of permanent conservation reserve fencing to protect regrowth on the site.
In the coming months, the alliance will begin work on three important road upgrades:
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The extension of Murdoch Drive to connect to Roe Highway and Kwinana Freeway
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A dual carriageway on Armadale Road between Anstey and Tapper roads
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A dual carriageway on Wanneroo Road between Joondalup Drive and Flynn Drive
The projects will safeguard the jobs of the design and project development teams following the cancellation of Roe 8 and ensure the scope of each development project is consistent with other works in adjacent areas.
Meanwhile, the McGowan Government has committed to a further 15 road projects as part of the recently announced $2.3 billion State and Federal governments road and rail funding agreement.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"The start of the rehabilitation program marks a symbolic end to the Perth Freight Link saga.
"Our new package of works will address congestion and safety concerns on key sections of our road network and boost job opportunities for Western Australians.
"We have delivered on our commitment to save the 231 jobs associated with Roe 8 and look forward to the new projects getting underway soon."
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The new projects form part of the largest congestion-busting works program ever undertaken in WA.
"These 18 new road projects - fully funded by the Federal and State governments - will transform our road network, leading to smarter, safer and more efficient journey times for all road users.
"The rehabilitation program will ensure the local community have their say on the future of these valuable sites."
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Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact:
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500
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