Urgent request for deferral of Wittenoom airport closure

29/9/93

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan has sent an urgent letter to Federal Transport Minister Bob Collins asking that closure of Wittenoom airport be deferred.

He wants the airport to remain open until inquiries concerning the town's future have been completed.

Mr Cowan said Wittenoom Airport was used by the Royal Flying Doctor Service as its major evacuation point for the Karijini National Park.

"I am aware that it is the intention of the Federal Department of Transport and Communications to surrender its lease of the Wittenoom aerodrome at the beginning of October," he said in his letter to Senator Collins.

"Concern has been expressed in the area that once the strip is closed - by the placing of white markers - it is designated as unusable.

"I understand that RFDS pilots would have to take full responsibility for any decision to use the strip.

"With more than 50,000 tourists a year using the park, there is potential for serious accidents to occur.  Evacuations have had to be made in the past, so the proposed closure of the aerodrome is to be viewed with alarm."

Mr Cowan informed Senator Collins of the Government's plans to carry out a full assessment of health risks at Wittenoom and clean-up options for the former asbestos mining town.  A separate parliamentary select committee is also to consider the town's future.

"I have asked Senator Collins to defer closure of the airport until the New Year so new information from these inquiries can be assessed by the State Government," he said. 

"It is important to clarify the position in relation to the future of the town and emergency services for the national park."

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595