The new Labor Government has started the formal process aimed at delivering its key election commitment: to scrap the $440 million Roe 8 highway construction contract in Perth’s southern suburbs. Main Roads had been directed to work with the Roe 8 Alliance partners to begin negotiations and bring forward alternative projects that would reduce traffic congestion, the State Government said. The Government was managing the renegotiation process to ensure any costs were kept to a minimum, existing jobs secured and new job opportunities created, it said. As part of the revised scope, the project site in Coolbellup would be cleared of any contaminants by the project team before a community-based revegetation program was rolled out, it said. “Our decision to not proceed with the deeply-flawed Perth Freight Link project was carefully thought through in the long-term interests of all West Australians,” said Premier Mark McGowan. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the aim of the renegotiation was to provide new employment opportunities for the Roe 8 workforce alongside new road projects. “We are proposing to bring forward some important upgrades to our road network that will improve safety and reduce journey times in our suburbs,” she said. “The scope and timing of these new projects will be announced once the renegotiation process with the Roe 8 contractor is complete.”