Alan Carpenter
Tue 08 November, 2005
Power supply to Wittenoom to cease
Portfolio: Energy
8/11/05
Electricity supplies to the Pilbara town of Wittenoom will cease on June 30 next year, Energy Minister Alan Carpenter announced today.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Carpenter said ceasing the provision of electricity to Wittenoom was in line with the Government’s policy to accelerate the phase-down of activities in the town.
“Today I have directed Western Power not to seek a licence for the Corporation to continue to operate in Wittenoom,” Mr Carpenter said.
“The Ministerial Direction requires that Western Power not apply for a generation licence, distribution licence or integrated regional licence under the Electricity Industry Act 2004, to supply the town of Wittenoom on or after July 1, 2006.”
The decommissioning and removal of the power station and supply infrastructure will commence from July 1 next year.
The Minister said there were approximately 12 residents remaining in Wittenoom, despite the town’s long and tragic history and the clearly identified public health risks associated with exposure to asbestos in the town.
“During asbestos mining operations between 1943 and 1966, tailings from the asbestos tailings dumps at the Wittenoom mines were extensively used in the course of public and private works,” he said.
“This has resulted in tailings being spread throughout the Wittenoom township and surrounding area, including the racetrack, the aerodrome and around the caravan park.”
Mr Carpenter said in the last decade, 1,700 people around Australia had died from asbestos-related diseases and this figure was tragically escalating.
“Up to 240 asbestos-related deaths are predicted for 2005, and in 2006, this figure is set to rise to 260 deaths,” he said.
In December 2002, the State Government established the Wittenoom Steering Committee to develop a strategy to deal with asbestos contamination in and around Wittenoom and to accelerate the phase down of activities in Wittenoom.
Work commenced on August 15 this year to demolish 12 State-owned buildings on nine properties in the Wittenoom townsite.
The demolition and cleanup was completed on 22 August at an estimated cost of $281,000.
Minister's office - 9222 9699