The Great Southern and illegal asbestos dumping in Western Australia

The Great Southern is one of Western Australia’s most beautiful regions. So why is it also a dumping ground for deadly poison?

In May 2025, Main Roads Western Australia described a rest stop between Albany and Denmark as being used as a dumping ground. The site looked like a “landfill” after a surge of tourists passed through around Easter. However, the increased attention also revealed that the site was also clearly being used by locals, with refuse including washing machines, tyres, and fragments of asbestos.

Even small pieces of asbestos can release airborne fibres that can potentially cause cancers such as mesothelioma. There is no known safe level of exposure. That’s why the illegal removal and dumping of asbestos is so dangerous.

Why is there so much asbestos in Western Australia?

Western Australia has the largest amount of asbestos in the built environment compared to any other state or territory in Australia.

Most famously, WA is home to Wittenoom, a community built around the industry during its mid-20^th-century peak. The death toll was so severe that the town has since been closed, and the former site is now off limits to visitors.

Asbestos was used extensively in WA, most commonly when its fibres were mixed into cement to insulate buildings and fencing. Many houses and buildings constructed before the mid-1980s contain asbestos, although it can also be found in structures built up to 1990.

Why do people dump asbestos?

Roadside dumping reflects what’s happening during renovations and demolitions.

Asbestos-containing houses and buildings are being renovated and demolished at increasing rates, driven in part by WA’s population growth. In some cases, people carrying out this work may not realise they’re breaking down or drilling through material that contains asbestos. In that case, they’re unknowingly exposing themselves to serious danger.

Some workers might simply be unaware that if asbestos is present, it must be handled by a specialist asbestos removalist who has the equipment and training to safely dispose of the material. In some cases, contractors may knowingly dispose of asbestos illegally to avoid disposal costs.

Waste from these activities can end up dumped on roadsides.

Regardless of its source, exposure to asbestos fibres puts people at risk of developing serious, often fatal conditions. But they may not know it for decades. Symptoms can take decades to appear, particularly in cases of mesothelioma, the cancer most commonly linked to asbestos.  

Where you can commonly find asbestos

In a home environment, asbestos is most commonly found in the following places:

• roofs and external wall cladding
• eaves
• fencing and gates
• boards and tiles around stoves, heaters and hot water units

These are only a few of the locations where asbestos may be present. The material was widely used in products ranging from oven mitts to cigarette filters. As a result, asbestos appears in a wide range of everyday items and building materials.

If you are unsure, we recommend seeking professional advice.

What are the penalties for illegal asbestos dumping?

Illegal asbestos dumping can be prosecuted under WA’s Environmental Protection Act 1986. The maximum penalty is $62,500 for individuals.

The WA Government operates a dedicated team to investigate illegal dumping. Local governments, Crime Stoppers WA and other partners work with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to gather evidence and support prosecutions.

Contractors who remove asbestos without a valid licence can be prosecuted under the Work Health and Safety Act. Before engaging an asbestos removalist, homeowners can check the Service WA app or the WorkSafe website to confirm whether the contractor holds the required licence.

Rules for asbestos reporting, removal and disposal

In WA, rules govern the removal of asbestos in any workplace. Licences are issued that govern much of the work relating to asbestos management.

If asbestos is in a “friable” (crumbly) condition, a Class A licence is required to remove it. A Class A or Class B licence is required for removal of more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos.

Any asbestos present must be identified, labelled and assessed. A register of its presence must be available on the site. If there is any risk of workplace exposure, health monitoring must be provided.

No person may be exposed to asbestos. If an exposure happens, WorkSafe must be notified and records must be kept.

And any waste asbestos must be labelled, transported and disposed of at a licensed facility.

What needs to happen, and what you can do right now

Make safe disposal easier

Safe, lawful disposal needs to be simple, affordable and accessible, particularly in regional areas.

The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency provide a search tool on its website to help locate nearby asbestos disposal facilities.

Raise community awareness

Anyone involved renovations or demolition, whether as a homeowner or a professional, needs to know where asbestos may be present, how to identify it and what steps to take if it’s found.

Report asbestos dumping

If you see suspected asbestos dumping, don’t touch it. Keep others away and report it.

Illegal dumping can be reported to Pollution Watch online or by calling 1300 784 782.

Unsafe asbestos practices in workplaces can be reported to WorkSafe on 1300 307 877.

Record any exposure

If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos, tell your GP and keep a record of what happened.

You can also register the exposure on the National Asbestos Exposure Register. This can help protect your rights in the future.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, support and advice are available. Speaking with a specialist dust diseases lawyer can help you understand your options