Australia's Ghost Town: The contaminated city Wittenoom | Free Doc Bites | Free Documentary

Summary

This gripping documentary explores Wittenoom, Australia, a ghost town marred by a tragic history of asbestos contamination. Once a thriving mining hub, it now serves as a haunting reminder of the lives lost to deadly exposure. Reporter Raphael, equipped with protective gear, navigates the desolate remnants of the town, revealing the chilling legacy left behind. Through interviews with former residents like Robert Boyer Kovich, who escaped the town's perils, and Mario Hartmann, its lone inhabitant, the film juxtaposes the dangers of this toxic environment with the resilience and unusual attachment of those who remain, illustrating a poignant tale of survival amidst tragedy.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ Wittenoom, once the largest city in Western Australia, is now a ghost town due to severe asbestos contamination.
• 💀 Approximately 80% of all individuals who lived in Wittenoom have died, primarily from asbestos-related diseases.
• 🛑 The Australian government shut down basic services in Wittenoom in the early 2000s, effectively erasing it from maps.
• 🏗️ Asbestos, once deemed a 'miracle fiber' for construction, was mined in Wittenoom without adequate safety measures, leading to long-term health consequences.
• 🧑‍🏫 Robert Boyer Kovich, a former resident, escaped Wittenoom and now advocates for victims of asbestos exposure, helping distribute compensation.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The dangers of Wittenoom are not only historical; current residents face ongoing risks from the contaminated environment.
• 🌱 Mario Hartman, one of the few remaining inhabitants, lives in Wittenoom and tends to a garden, showcasing a stark contrast to the ghost town narrative.
• 📞 Mario works for the Australian Weather Service, contributing to data collection in a place with no other inhabitants.
• 🚫 Access to Wittenoom is restricted, with warnings indicating that it is a 'no-go' area due to its hazardous conditions.
• 🔍 The story of Wittenoom serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of asbestos and the consequences of neglecting safety in industrial practices.

Q & A

What is the significance of the ghost town mentioned in the transcript?

The ghost town, known as Wittenoom, was once the largest city in the Midwest of Australia but is now heavily contaminated with blue asbestos, leading to the death of a significant percentage of its former inhabitants.

Why did many European immigrants come to Wittenoom in the 1950s?

Many European immigrants, particularly Germans, came to Wittenoom seeking a better life and opportunities, drawn by the promise of wealth from asbestos mining.

What dangers are associated with the asbestos found in Wittenoom?

Asbestos, particularly blue asbestos, poses severe health risks, including aggressive lung cancer, which can be terminal within nine months of diagnosis after exposure.

How did the Australian government respond to the contamination issues in Wittenoom?

In the early 2000s, the government shut off all basic services in Wittenoom and officially declared it highly contaminated, revoking its city status and removing it from maps.

What precautions did the reporter take before visiting Wittenoom?

The reporter packed 50 liters of water, 30 liters of gas, and food for at least two extra days, highlighting the dangers of traveling in the Australian outback.

Who is Robert Boyer Kovich, and what role has he played regarding asbestos exposure?

Robert Boyer Kovich is the president of the Australian organization against asbestos-related diseases. He has been instrumental in helping victims and survivors, distributing around 1 billion euros in compensation over the years.

What did Mario Hartman share about his life in Wittenoom?

Mario Hartman has lived in Wittenoom for about 30 years, where he manages to maintain a garden and works for the Australian Weather Service, collecting and sending meteorological data despite the town's contaminated status.

How did the mining operations in Wittenoom affect the health of workers and residents?

The mining operations exposed workers and residents to asbestos fibers without adequate protection, leading to widespread lung diseases and high mortality rates.

What is the current status of Wittenoom and its remaining inhabitants?

Wittenoom is largely abandoned, with 80% of its former inhabitants having died from asbestos-related diseases. Only a handful of people, like Mario, remain in the town.

How does Mario feel about living in Wittenoom despite its dangers?

Mario expresses contentment with living in Wittenoom, stating he feels safe as long as he avoids disturbing the asbestos, viewing the town as a good place to live.