The town of Wittenoom, WA, is infamous for its deadly levels of asbestos. More than 2,000 former works and family members of Wittenoom have contracted an asbestos-related disease, and unfortunately, since there is no cure for many of these diseases, many have died. This death toll continues to rise, despite the efforts of various councils and organisations to raise awareness.
The state government withdrew Wittenoom’s town status in 2007 due to the dangers that asbestos posed to the citizens. Whilst most of the citizens were willing to relocate to a safer area, there are still residents who have chosen to remain in this deadly town. The government has reconvened the Wittenoom Closure Steering Committee in an attempt to drive the remaining citizens out of Wittenoom.
Paul Rosair, Director General of the Department of Regional Development and Lands in WA, believes there are five permanent citizens currently residing in Wittenoom. There are also Indigenous communities and tourists.
Currently the Western Australian government has no power to forcefully remove citizens from their freehold land. Mr Rosair has suggested that offering compensation packages may make the idea seem more appealing, however the citizens thus far have refused any offers. The government could start looking into the enactment of legislation that enables them to remove citizens from their lands. Until the town is completely free of inhabitants, work regarding the removal and destruction of asbestos cannot commence.
The recent death of Ernie Bridge, WA Labor MP, serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers that asbestos poses. It is believed that Bridge contracted the asbestos-related disease in his visits to the town for business matters. Such diseases do not simply affect people who come into direct contact with asbestos fibres; the thin particles can be carried home and affect the wives, children and family members of those who have been exposed to asbestos.
In Australia mesothelioma compensation (or asbestos compensation in Australia, or asbestosis compensation in Australia) is available to those who unfortunately do contract mesothelioma. Mesothelioma compensation, asbestos compensation and asbestosis compensation are claims brought about by people who have worked with asbestos and who suffer from mesothelioma and other asbestos conditions
