THE environmentally sensitive wetlands in Perth’s south that the previous Liberal government started razing for the controversial Roe 8 highway extension will be protected under a rezoning bill before parliament.

Abandoning the project, which was part of the planned $1.9 billion Perth Freight Link, and restoring damage to the Beeliar wetlands was a central promise in Labor’s 2017 election campaign.

The McGowan government moved quickly to stop construction and cancel contracts, and on Wednesday announced plans to rezone 85.8 hectares of the wetlands for parks and recreation.

Camera Icon Save Beeliar Wetlands protest sign near Bibra Lake in Perth on Wednesday. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) Credit: AAP

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the bill recognised public opinion.

“People of this area and wider Perth made it very clear - they don’t want a road through these wetlands, and this Bill solidifies our commitment to restoring this land for the community,” she said.

“Down the track, we will also be investigating what to do with the remaining part of the Perth Freight Link, and will be sure to do what the previous government didn’t - listen to what the community wants instead of sending in the bulldozers.”