A WA parliamentary question addresses the remaining residents of Wittenoom, a town with known asbestos-related health risks, and the government's actions regarding their safety, access to the town, and cleanup efforts. The government acknowledges residents remain, offers to purchase properties, and has implemented warning signs and signage removal.

AnsweredQoN 3489Legislative Council
Asked
22 February 2011
Portfolio
Regional Development

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the town of Wittenoom, and I ask, -
(1) Are there any residents remaining in the town and if so, how many?
(2) Given the health risks to them, what action is the Government taking to ensure their safety?
(3) What action has the Government taken to prevent access to the town?
(4) Have any clean up works been undertaken?
(5) If yes to (4), what are they?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
5 April 2011
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Regional Development
Response time
42 days
(1) Yes.  As far as I am aware there are five residents
(2) Government has made offers to remaining proprietors to purchase their properties.  The health risks associated with Wittenoom are well known to the residents and they have chosen to stay in the former town regardless.
(3) Warning signs have been placed at strategic points to warn of the health risks associated with Wittenoom.  Further to this any mention of Wittenoom has been removed from road signage in the area.  A workshop to be attended by government and industry experts will be convened in April 2011 to discuss the way forward with Wittenoom.  Short term actions being considered include physically blocking access to some gorges.
The current focus has been on encouraging remaining residents to accept the State's offer to purchase their properties.
(4) No.
(5) Not applicable.
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