The Australian Senate has determined it will conduct an inquiry into the contentious Perth Freight Link project, angering the West Australian government.
Senators are particularly curious about the decision-making process that led to the freight link receiving federal government funding.
The Perth Freight Link is the largest road project to be undertaken in Western Australia, with $925 million coming from the Commonwealth and a commitment of $650 million from the state government.
It will also be the state’s first toll road, but only freight trucks will be charged.
The aim is to divert hundreds of freight vehicles a day from Leach Highway, which runs through several residential suburbs, and provide a direct freight route from Muchea in Perth’s north to Fremantle Port.
A wide range of groups are opposed to it, including residents.