❓ The WA government addresses concerns about asbestos monitoring in Karijini National Park, revealing limited monitoring but awareness of naturally occurring asbestos and past employee illnesses. They cite past studies and risk signage.
AnsweredQoN 1169Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) what monitoring for asbestos is conducted at Karijini National Park, given its proximity to Wittenoom gorge and asbestos tailings from Wittenoom Asbestos Management Area? (2) in relation to (1), how often does this monitoring take place? (3) in relation to (1), are the results of this monitoring made public: (a) in no to (3), why not? (4) in relation to (1) how many previous/current department employees have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases since Wittenoom mines began operation in the 1930s?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for the Environment
Response time
5 days
(1) – (4) The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) does not undertake landscape scale asbestos monitoring in Karijini National Park. Naturally occurring asbestos is present within the gorge systems of Karijini National Park and risk signage is in place to inform visitors of the presence of the naturally occurring asbestos and safety precautions.
DBCA is aware of two studies that included monitoring for asbestos in Karijini National Park. The Wittenoom Airborne Asbestos Study conducted in 1986 which is publicly available. In addition, a preliminary site investigation was undertaken by DBCA in the Dales Gorge area in 2024. The outcomes of this site investigation were provided to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation who determined that the site did not meet the criteria to be classified as contaminated.
DBCA is formally aware of six former employees who had asbestos related illness.
DBCA is aware of two studies that included monitoring for asbestos in Karijini National Park. The Wittenoom Airborne Asbestos Study conducted in 1986 which is publicly available. In addition, a preliminary site investigation was undertaken by DBCA in the Dales Gorge area in 2024. The outcomes of this site investigation were provided to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation who determined that the site did not meet the criteria to be classified as contaminated.
DBCA is formally aware of six former employees who had asbestos related illness.
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