Question On Notice No. 775 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 Mines and Petroleum
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
Day to-day management of the Wittenoom Asbestos Management Area is the responsibility of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
(1) No
(2) Tours are not operating to explore the mines but appear to be informal travel groups.
(3) No
(4) Informal travel groups have posted photographs of their trips through the gorges around Wittenoom.
(5) Not applicable
(6) Not applicable
(7) Preventing public access is very difficult given the scale and isolation of the area.
(8) Informal travel groups.