Council seeks bi-partisan approach to Wittenoom

Published on Monday, 27 May 2019 at 12:00:00 AM

At the recent Ordinary Meeting of Council, Ashburton Council have congratulated the State Government on introducing the Wittenoom Bill as well as sought a cooperative approach from both parties.

Shire President Kerry White said that Council supports the Wittenoom Bill and trusts it gets through without delay, and urges the State Government to also treat the issues associated with the Wittenoom-Roebourne Road with absolute priority.

‘Council has expressed to both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition the need for a bi-partisan political approach to effectively address the issues associated with the former Wittenoom townsite and the Wittenoom-Roebourne Road,’ said Cr White.

Historically, the Wittenoom-Roebourne Road provided the main transport link between the Wittenoom minesite and the port. The road is known to be still littered with the debris of bagged asbestos. Due to the potential health and safety risks, the Shire of Ashburton has been unable to repair and maintain the road, and its deterioration has had a considerable impact on local pastoralists.

‘Council seeks a meaningful and cooperative approach from the Government and Opposition, which actively works to address the issues associated with the former Wittenoom townsite and the Wittenoom-Roebourne Road.’

‘The Ashburton Shire Council calls for the establishment of a Commission who would be responsible for the State ownership of the contaminated areas of Wittenoom and surrounds, the protection of the community through prohibition of access and the rehabilitation of land.’

While Council congratulates the State Government for its genuine action on introducing the Wittenoom Bill we hope to see a true commitment to resolving these wider issues