28/9/07
While Wittenoom remained a serious health risk area, the State Government was continuing with its efforts to close the asbestos-contaminated area, Regional Development Minister Jon Ford said today.
Mr Ford said that since the Western Australian Government had announced its intentions to proceed to close the town in 2006, many essential services to the area including electricity and municipal services have been withdrawn, and water was now restricted to five specific permanent residences. Wittenoom's status as a townsite and a placename has also been removed.
"Recent research undertaken by GHD and Parsons Brinckerhoff into asbestos contamination in Wittenoom, which was independently reviewed by the Department of Health, has clearly identified unacceptable health risks from exposure to asbestos, and residents and tourists are urged to avoid the area," he said.
The Minister said the Department of Local Government and Regional Development had been actively encouraging Wittenoom landowners to voluntarily sell their property to the State Government.
"Asbestos contamination in Wittenoom remains at high levels and the Carpenter Government is strongly committed to progressing initiatives which limit resident and tourist activity in the town," he said.
"While 17 Wittenoom properties have already been purchased by the Government since May 2006, I urge all other land owners in this precinct to strongly consider the health risks and take advantage of our limited offer to purchase their property.
"In addition to previous offers for relocation and assistance, the current offer for a Shared Equity Scheme enables residents to purchase a property anywhere in WA to a maximum cost of $365,000. Residents would contribute the funds from the sale of their house in Wittenoom and the remaining cost would be paid by the Government, which would retain equity in the house. If they wish, the resident can buy out the Government's share at any time."
Landowners have until December 31, 2007 to accept the Government's Shared Equity offer.
Further information on Wittenoom, including the Government's policy, health risks and alternate destinations is available at http://www.wa.gov.au/wittenoom
Minister's office - 9213 7200
