Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker and The Waifs' Donna Simpson were among musicians amplifying a chorus of opposition to the state government's Roe 8 road project on Monday.
They joined local bands Koi Child, POW! Negro and Grace Barbé on the line-up for Live! In The Wetlands, the latest community effort to save the Beeliar Wetlands, which are in the path of Roe 8.Â
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Protesters continue to gather at Roe 8
Two protesters have been cut free from the Roe 8 work yard gates after locking themselves for 6hrs to stop machinery from leaving. Vision: Nine News Perth.
Thousands were expected to show up for the concert, scheduled to continue all afternoon at Manning Park Sound Shell.Â
"Many of the people involved in opposing this incredibly destructive road to nowhere are ordinary families who just want to do their bit," organiser Danielle Lake, from Hamilton Hill Community Group, said.Â
"In this concert, we have been joined by some extraordinary talent."
Roe 8 involves extending Roe Highway from Kwinana Freeway to Stock Road as the first stage of the Perth Freight Link.
It is intended to then link Roe 8 to Fremantle Port, but this route is yet undefined, resulting in the protesters' "road to nowhere" label.
The protests have continued, including attempts to disrupt works, despite the project commencing on December 9, and the High Court a week later declining to hear an appeal against the project's environmental approvals.
![Crowds gather for Live! In The Wetlands, a family festival in opposition to the Roe 8 extension.](/web/20170105005718im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/l/3/a/i/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtkw30.png/1483401973069.jpg)
While Melville council supports the project, it is opposed by Fremantle, East Fremantle and Cockburn.Â
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett opened Monday's concert, after his statements following the High Court decision in which he promised locals would "stand tall" against the works.
![Performers take to the stage for the music festival on Monday.](/web/20170105005718im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/l/3/a/h/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtkw30.png/1483401973069.jpg)
"The City has not evidenced any growing support for Roe 8," he said.
"In fact, numbers continue to grow in opposition as more people come to understand the tragedy of the impending wholesale clearing of pristine Banksia woodlands and wetlands and its adverse impacts on communities along its route to Stock Road.
![The crowd at Manning Park](/web/20170105005718im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/k/w/v/c/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtkw30.png/1483401973069.jpg)
"In addition, the locality is of special significance to the Whadjuk People of the Nyungar Nation and they continue to voice their concerns.
"As the Roman philosopher Lucretius said ex nihilo nihil fit or 'from nothing, nothing comes'. This is a reminder that hard work is always required in order to achieve something."
![Protesters have altered Melville council's signage intended to support the project.](/web/20170105005718im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/k/v/n/j/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtkw30.png/1483401973069.jpg)
Environment Minister Albert Jacob released a statement the same day pointing out the government's $45 million spend to accommodate the region's environmental sensitivities and confirming Roe 8 would go ahead.
"This is good news for the State's economy, for the many hundreds of people who will be employed on the project and the many thousands of people who will benefit from greatly improved traffic flows and a safer road network in Perth's southern suburbs," he said.
![Bulldozing began in December and continues despite the protests.](/web/20170105005718im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/k/v/n/9/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtkw30.png/1483401973069.png)
The Save Beeliar Wetlands group is now challenging Federal environmental approvals in the Federal court. Members have appealed to the state to postpone works until this is resolved and concerns about native fauna relocation are resolved, but there has been no pause. The group's legal appeals are being funded by donations.Â
Monday's event is free, though donations are welcome, and includes children's activities. Organisers recommend families come with picnic blanket, food to share, sunscreen and a hat. Wheelchair and walker users must negotiate some grassed, though reasonably flat, areas, and accessible toilets and seating areas are available.
![Kevin Parker from multi-ARIA-winning group Tame Impala has joined the protests.](/web/20170105005718im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/k/v/w/x/5/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtkw30.png/1483401973069.jpg)
Live! In The Wetlands lineup
2:10 Â Â Â Mayor Howlett and Welcome to Country
2:20Â Â Â Â Â Â Dilip n the Davs
3:10 Â Â Â Akioka
3:30Â Â Â Â Â Â DJ Defs Worthit (Kevin Parker)
3:50Â Â Â Â Â Â Donna Simpson
4:20Â Â Â Â Â Â Neil Murray
4:40Â Â Â Â Â Â MC and speaker
4:50Â Â Â Â Â Â Grace Barbe
5:30Â Â Â Â Â Â DJ Defs Worth It (Kevin Parker)
5:45Â Â Â Â Â Â POW! Negro
6:30Â Â Â Â Â Koi Child