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Roe hate: John Butler performs at Roe 8 protest

Emma Young

John Butler has added his voice to the latest wave of protest action at the Roe 8 road project site in Coolbellup, the site of community action that has not ceased since clearing of the wetlands began in early December.

The Australian roots singer turned up with a guitar, microphone and harmonica, kicking off his performance with Gonna Be a Long Time from the John Bulter Trio's album April Uprising.

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'Even One Nation hates it'

Greens Senator Scott Ludlam speaking to protesters at the Roe 8 site.

"We are all opposed to this wanton destruction and this reckless behaviour 44 days before the election. We are here to save this beautiful banksia woodland for future generations," he said.

Other speakers included Greens MP Scott Ludlam, Fremantle MP Josh Wilson and Save Beeliar Wetlands Convenor Kate Kelly.

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"To experience this clearing 44 days out from an election is one of the most shocking things some of us have ever experienced. It is shameful," Ms Kelly told the crowd.

"Even though there is a lot that has been lost, all is not lost and we must continue, we must fight and we must do everything that we can.

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"There is a battle here and there is a battle on the election front. We must make our views known. If you know anyone in a marginal seat - Mt Lawley, Burns Beach, Cannington, Wanneroo, Bicton, Perth, Kalamunda - any of those electorates - contact people you know who live there and tell them what is going on here.

"We know that even if people are in favour of the road they don't agree with clearing before the election. It is a travesty. It is eroding our democratic right. This government is going against its own rules, putting in place its own officers here in a way that is unprecedented. We must do everything we can in peaceful nonviolent ways to stop them getting further.

"If you have called people, call them again. There is nobody taking responsibility for this but they will pay for that at the election. Make sure they do."

Police investigating Roe 8 breaches

Meanwhile, police are seeking information about an alleged incident that occurred at a Roe 8 machinery compound in Bibra Lake early Friday morning.

Police say around 4.30am, on the northern side of Hope Road near Gilchrist Avenue, a male security officer was approached by four men and a woman who had gained access to the compound.

The four males, who had their faces covered and were wearing dark clothing, were approached by the security officer and a struggle ensued.

The security officer was briefly held on the ground by the four males whilst the female was able to 'lock-on' to a piece of machinery in the compound.

The security officer was then released and the men ran from the area.

Shortly after, Police removed the woman from the machinery and she was arrested.

A 60 year old woman of Hamilton Hill has been charged with Trespass, Common Assault and Obstructing Public Officers and will appear in court at a later date.

Police are seeking information to identify the four men involved in the incident.

Roe 8 asbestos developments

Main Roads WA has recently clarified actions being taken regarding the discovery of asbestos at the site that has alarmed residents and caused further protests this week.

"Asbestos has been identified at two locations of the Roe 8 project site last week," a spokesman said.

"These sites have since been isolated and asbestos management plans are currently being implemented.

"Main Roads has come across this issue before on other projects due to decades of illegal dumping activity and there are very clear environmental management procedures for dealing with the removal of such waste and the rehabilitation of the ground.

"These procedures are being employed on the Roe 8 project, which is governed by strict environmental conditions.

"WorkSafe inspected the site and are satisfied that the correct processes are being undertaken.

"Regular testing for contaminants is carried out on the construction site throughout the project and in the interest of health and safety, air quality and dust deposition monitors are in place during clearing operations to protect workers and the public.

"The public are reminded to stay out of the site area as it is a work site and that it is illegal to dump material in road reserves."

The City of Cockburn and Department of Health also released a statement saying they had investigated management processes being implemented and were satisfied contractors had undertaken necessary steps to ensure public safety.

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