Something In The Air - Yarloop

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Published: Friday, 12 August 2016 20:29

Something in the Air was a special Four Corners report that was produced to shine a spot light on the effects that Alcoa's Wagerup Refinery was having on the residents living in Yarloop and went to air on the 30th of October 2005, well before the devastating fires that destroyed most of the historic town site.

In the video you will see some rare footage of the town of Yarloop and some of the historical buildings prior to the devastating fires that all but destroyed the entire town. You will hear conversations about the effects of the refinery on members of the community and denials from Alcoa, as well as plans by Alcoa for the future expansion of the Wagerup refinery.

These plans were back in the news this week: Alcoa wants Wagerup option.

In the 44 minute video (see YouTube link below) you will hear arguments from residents that believe there have been no effects from the refinery on the community, as well as residents who were sick. Just try to remember that not everyone who worked in Wittenoom developed Asbestosis or Mesothelioma.

It is a cruel irony to say the least that the Community Alliance For Positive Solutions Group (CAPS) continually lobbied Alcoa and the Government to relocate the town of Yarloop to a safer distance from the refinery, only for Yarloop to be almost completely destroyed by fire in January 2016.

Our thoughts are still with the Yarloop community and we wish them well!

CAPS6218 Facebook page

We would encourage everyone to watch the video and share this post with your family and friends, because if bauxite mining begins here in the Perth Hills along the Darling Range, it will start the perfect storm where first mining is allowed, then a refinery comes within 5 or so years. We do not want another Yarloop scenario in our region.

“Together we will be heard”

AHMAG