Asbestos Crisis Leaves Backpackers Stranded in Bunbury
Almost 100 backpackers have been left stranded in Western Australia's largest regional city, with the only two backpacker hostels in Bunbury forced to close over serious asbestos exposure risks. The Wander Inn Bunbury Backpackers and Dolphin Retreat Bunbury were ordered to shut down by the City of Bunbury last week after failing to address an urgent asbestos hazard identified on January 20.
Immediate Closure Sparks Panic Among Residents
Italian backpacker Joseph Moubsset, who had been staying at Wander Inn for three months, said he only learned last Thursday that the hostel would close as of February 27. "Apparently they were told on February 6 but waited for two weeks before letting us know," he revealed. "I have been here for three months now, and I felt safe staying here. It was a good place to stay."
Moubsset described widespread panic among residents, with insufficient time to find alternative housing. "Most of the people are actually angry about it. We needed at least three weeks window for us to be able to find a solution or leave their jobs and move to a different place," he explained. "Most of us come here and we don't really have a proper place to stay or a car — we all rely heavily on the hostels and their facilities — like they give us vans to go to work."
City Officials Cite Safety Concerns and Legal Obligations
In a statement, the City of Bunbury said it took action to close the two premises due to serious health and safety concerns. "When property operators fail to maintain safe, compliant premises despite being given opportunities to address serious concerns, we have a legal duty to act," officials stated. City of Bunbury chief executive Alan Ferris acknowledged the difficulty created for occupants but emphasized public safety.
"Our primary obligation is to protect the health and safety of community members," Ferris said. "We cannot allow people to continue living in premises contaminated with asbestos and not meeting basic safety standards." He noted that the city has been working to connect affected individuals with accommodation support services and has reached out to local businesses and industry groups that may be impacted.
Broader Implications for Regional Workforce and Agriculture
The closure highlights systemic issues with regional workforce accommodation. Ferris pointed out that "the use of short-term hostel facilities to house a long-term regional workforce highlights the need for proper, safe, compliant accommodation solutions." South West Fruit manager Joe Giblett warned that farms in Bunbury and surrounding regions could face significant workforce shortages.
"The farms in the region could start struggling as they lose their main source of workforce and will have to find other ways to attract and keep workers," Giblett said. He suggested that local government should provide support to backpackers wishing to remain in Bunbury until completing their specified work. Many affected backpackers work in harvest farms, packing sheds, or meat factories, raising concerns about broader economic impacts.
Backpackers Call for Tangible Support Solutions
While understanding safety concerns, Moubsset expressed hope for more concrete assistance from authorities. "I know they can't ignore a safety issue but if they could find a solution for all of us, at least temporary, that could be a big help for us," he said. "If the employers start complaining to the city about the backpackers having to move out of Bunbury, then hopefully the city would do something more."
The city continues to actively support affected occupants and businesses where possible, connecting them with accommodation services and noting that many workers are being supported by their employers. Both hostels have been contacted for comment regarding the closures and asbestos remediation efforts.
