|
|
|
Residents refuse to be moved
25 Jun 2007
Residents of the town of Wittenoom in West Australia are refusing to go despite pressure from the state government. Wittenoom was once a bustling town that grew around the asbestos mining industry, but now only has nine residents. The WA government has warned that living there is an extreme risk but refuses to clean up the toxic tailings dump in the gorge. One resident, the town's part-time postman Mario Hartman, has lived in Wittenoom since 1990 and has been offered $43,000 for his home. Mr Hartman said "I've put my heart and soul into this town and into my home. Why should I accept such a pathetic amount of money?" The town's electricity supply was removed last year and access roads could be shut down within months.
The Australian, 25/06/2007
|
|
