18th Jun 2015, 12:47 PM – Senate Motions - Perth Freight Link - Business case

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Greens Senator for WA Scott Ludlam, which means it failed.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) the planning for the Perth Freight Link is in absolute chaos,

(ii) the project is counter to current state planning priorities set out in 'Perth @ 3.5 million & beyond' which aims for renewal and infill of existing urban areas,

(iii) over 18 groups and three local councils are now part of a formal alliance against this project, and

(iv) no matter how the freight arrives at Fremantle Port it will be at capacity within a decade; and

(b) calls on the Government to commit to suspending federal environmental assessment and all federal funding for the project until such time as the Western Australian Barnett Government:

(i) publicly releases the business case for the project,

(ii) releases a detailed plan for stage 2 and 3 of the Perth Freight Link, showing how it proposes to build the road through Fremantle all the way to the port,

(iii) undertakes formal assessment and community engagement on those plans, and

(v) formally investigates all alternative options, including the Outer Harbour.