25/6/06
Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne Minister Jon Ford announced today that the State Government had moved closer towards the final closure of the Wittenoom townsite, following the announcement in November, 2005 that the provision of electricity would cease on June 30, 2006.
"The State Government recognises that it has been a very difficult time for residents who have to leave their homes," he said.
However, exposure to asbestos is a serious health risk which cannot be ignored.
"To date, Wittenoom policies have proved successful in encouraging the majority of the population to leave voluntarily," Mr Ford said.
"The relocation package may encourage some of the remaining residents to leave. However, a small number of residents are unlikely to do so."
Permanent residents will be offered:
- up to $39,804 for their primary residence;
- $10,000 for relocation assistance;
- $398 per adult for travel expenses; and
- a solatium of 10 per cent of the property value.
The Minister said the State Government had placed a high priority on assisting residents to find alternative accommodation.
Residents requesting help will be offered priority assistance to Homeswest accommodation and a recoup of reasonable travel expenses to inspect the Homeswest accommodation, up to a maximum of $1,000, on production of receipts.
Asbestos Diseases Society President Robert Vojakovic said many Western Australians had developed asbestos-caused diseases and died as a result of their exposure to asbestos in the Wittenoom Blue Asbestos Mine or just merely being a resident of Wittenoom.
"Wittenoom townsite in its present asbestos-contaminated state constitutes a major risk to its remaining residents," Mr Vojakovic said.
"Without a doubt, the closure of Wittenoom will minimise the risk of asbestos-caused malignancy to many tourists now visiting the beautiful Karrajini Gorge.
"The Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia congratulates the WA Government on its historical decision to deal with the Wittenoom closure in an effective and fair way.
"Since it is not practically possible to eradicate all the risk associated with even a trivial exposure to blue asbestos dust, the State Government's decision to finally achieve the complete closure of Wittenoom will ultimately lessen the risk and is likely to save many lives."
Mr Ford said he had concerns for the health and safety of tourists, especially young children, who were being encouraged to the town by existing tourism operators.
This aspect had been exacerbated by the unauthorised removal of warning signs and continued advertising of Wittenoom as a tourist destination.
Aboriginal access through the former Wittenoom town and mine sites would be approved for traditional practices and beliefs and responsibilities to 'care for country'.
There are approximately 20 recorded sites for the Aboriginal Site Register within the Wittenoom area, most of which are art or engraving site types.
"It is vital the heritage of Aboriginal people associated with the Wittenoom area is acknowledged and preserved, as it provides them with the emotional, spiritual and mythological links to the land," the Minister said.
The Wittenoom Steering Committee, chaired by Mr Ford, is an inter-agency committee established by Cabinet on December 19, 2002 to develop a strategy to deal with asbestos contamination in and around Wittenoom and to accelerate the phase down of activities in Wittenoom.
Minister's office: (08) 9213 7200
