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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 776 asked in the Legislative Council on 13 March 2018 by Hon Robin Chapple

Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Tourism
Parliament: 40 Session: 1


Question

(1) Is the Minister aware of any tours operating to explore the open mines of Wittenoom?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) Is the Minister aware of anecdotal and photographic evidence of tours operating to explore the open mines of Wittenoom of which may be found at http://www.robinchapple.com/wittenoom-facebook-photos?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) If yes to (1), are the tours by tour operators who have licences and permits?
(6) If yes to (5), will the Minister advise if this tour is deemed safe for the public?
(7) If no to (5) and (6), how will the Minister ensure this area is safe and/or not permitted for public access?
(8) If no to (5), who are the tours being conducted by?

Answered on 10 April 2018

(1)   No. However, enquiries made to the Karratha, Newman and Tom Price Visitor Centres reveal that no tours to Wittenoom are conducted by commercial tour operators. Wittenoom is also not promoted by Visitor Centre staff.

(2)   This matter has not been raised with the Minister for Tourism before.

(3)   Not before the Member asked his question with a link to his facebook page.

(4)   This matter has not been raised with the Minister for Tourism before.

(5)   Not applicable.

(6)   Not applicable.

(7)   Preventing public access is very difficult given the scale and isolation of the area. Day to day management of the Wittenoom Asbestos Management Area is the responsibility of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

(8)   Informal travel groups.