As part of a continuing campaign to stop the export of lead carbonate through Fremantle, a delegation from the port city took a protest to Parliament House on March 10, 2009.
Hundreds of submissions from a public hearing, opposing the move, were delivered to Premier Colin Barnett and Opposition Leader Eric Ripper on the steps of the house.
Magellan Metals, previously responsible for exporting lead through Esperance, plans to ship lead through the port of Fremantle. The lead carbonate will travel through 22 suburbs by rail before reaching the port.
The City of Fremantle has consistently opposed the plan – Mayor Peter Tagliaferri says just one accident could result in an environmental disaster, resulting in lead contamination similar to that seen in Esperance in 2005.
“Fremantle has been denied a voice in the process and this is our opportunity to make our voice heard,” Mr Tagliaferri said.
“Mr Barnett gave a commitment before the election that lead would not be shipped through Fremantle but now he’s in government he’s changed his mind.”
Mr Tagliaferri, who has actively campaigned against the proposal for the past 2½ years, hopes the submissions (many written by experts in their fields) will convince the Premier to re-consider the export approval.