Saturday’s local government election results prove West Aussies aren’t keen on the Roe 8 and 9 highway extensions going forward, according to the State government.

Premier Mark McGowan pointed to George Gear’s winning run to become City of Melville mayor as evidence the Roe Highway extension was on the nose with voters.

Gear, a former Keating government minister, defeated sitting mayor Russell Aubrey, who had fought fiercly for a number of years in favour of the extension of Roe Highway through to Fremantle.

The West Australian also reports that four Melville candidates who had backed the Roe extensions prior to council elections did not get elected.

“Obviously it’s a resounding defeat for the proponents of that highway,” Mr McGowan said.

But Tangney MP Ben Morton argued the results actually showed locals want the roads built.

“Melville residents have again voiced their support for Roe 8 and 9 with 58 per cent of votes cast in the mayoral race alone were for candidates that support getting on and building Roe 8 and 9,” Mr Morton said.

For more, including the premier’s take on the Roe 8 pledge circulated by Mr Morton, and Local Government Minister David Templeman’s response to plummeting turnout, check out the subscriber exclusive at thewest.com.au.