THE Perth Freight Link has been given federal environmental approval to push through the Beeliar wetlands.

On Wednesday, assistant secretary of the federal environment department, Bruce Edwards, signed the approval with a raft of conditions.

WA Main Roads has been told to survey all potential black cockatoo nesting trees seven days before clearing during the birds’ breeding season. If any are found, the trees must be fenced off and left alone until they have flown away.

It must also convince the environment department’s CEO it has set aside the money to purchase offset properties, and provide regular updates on compliance.

Local Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren says the decision puts the Turnbull government at odds with local residents: “The Turnbull government has picked a fight with a force that no politician should underestimate: well organised, strong community feeling,” she said.

by STEVE GRANT