The Federal Government will come under pressure at this weekend's ALP State conference to exercise its powers in a bid to save the Beeliar wetlands from the State Government's plans to extend Roe Highway.
Labor member Graeme McEwen, a member of community group Save Beeliar Wetlands, said he was hopeful his party would support the motion given Opposition Leader Eric Ripper had taken a strong stance against the plan.
Mr McEwen warned wetlands, which are home to large populations of migratory birds, were under threat, despite their habitats being protected by international agreements to which Australia was a signatory.
"What is at stake here is the proper recognition of environmental and indigenous values," he said. "There are several aboriginal archaeological sites in the area and an aboriginal, mythological and spiritual site, which is registered under the WA Aboriginal Heritage Act."
Mr McEwen said the planned extension could be devastating for the Carnaby's black cockatoo, a nationally listed endangered species.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has already revealed that he will "take the necessary action" to ensure migratory birds are not affected by the plans to proceed with stage eight of Roe Highway.
The former Labor government scrapped plans for the road because of environmental concerns but Transport Minister Simon O'Brien has said the Government was going ahead with its election promise.
