June 28th, 2006

The Western Australian government has issued a warning for tourists to stay away from the town of Wittenoom, which is located in the north west of the state. The government fears that visitors going to this area are unaware that they could be putting their health at risk.

Residents of the town have already been offered a relocation package by the government because of the risk of health problems relating to asbestos exposure. Power to the town is due to be disconnected this week, and the relocation package offer will be made to the residents.

The risk of asbestos exposure comes from the old mine in the town, which closed down in the 1960s but still poses a threat according to officials. It was reported that many have become ill or died through exposure to the asbestos in the area.

The president of the Asbestos Diseases Society, which has also warned against visiting the town, stated: “One of our top engineers who only went over there to assist ... with the water post-Wittenoom operation passed away, we've got people who are electricians who went over there and developed the disease, so surely you know commonsense had to prevail eventually.”