Dust campaign gathers pace

Outspoken advocates on dust control in Port Hedland have created a social media campaign to gain traction on a need to “save” the West End.

Save Port Hedland’s West End 2017, the social media campaign was developed by Esplanade Hotel co-owner Con Berbatis.

It is in response to BHP Billiton’s recent application to increase exports by 7 per cent.

Dr Berbatis, who has been a partner in the popular hotel since 2012, said the aim of the campaign and Facebook page was to gain government attention so an immediate response could be taken on the problem.

“The West End is the jewel in the crown of Port Hedland,” he said. “Excessive dust emissions from the port’s users, and the neglect of government and the resources companies mean that it is a shadow of itself.

“There needs to be a strong response to the dust emission problem. We want a response first of regeneration of the West End, including compensation from the port users and then second a dust pollution mitigation program”.

With 48 likes on the Facebook page, Dr Berbatis said he was happy with the initial response and encouraged the community to get involved and share pictures of their own experiences of dust-related damages.

“The more support we get, the greater the odds of successfully pressing for regeneration of the West End including compensation and effective mitigation of the dust pollution by the port’s users.”