The final two residents of the Western Australian town of Wittenoom have remained living at the asbestos-littered mining town, despite a state government directive to vacate by last week.
The WA government has been acquiring the final 14 properties in the de-gazetted town in the Pilbara since March, with plans to demolish all remaining structures under the Wittenoom Closure Act.
The government called it the end of a "dark chapter" in the state's history, with the town the site of where deadly blue asbestos was mined for decades.
The town's final two residents were given until June 17 to leave.
But the ABC can confirm that long-term resident Lorraine Thomas and retiree Raphael Willoughby are still living in what is understood to be the largest contaminated area in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ms Thomas said the deadline had been extended, while Mr Willoughby said he had not heard from the government and planned to stay put until he was moved him on.
A Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage spokesperson said the government would work closely with the residents to finalise their departure, and that the deadline was being revised.
It is unclear why the original deadline was not met or what the new deadline would be.
Final occupants hold firm
The three million tonnes of asbestos tailings that still scar the landscape on the outskirts of the town have not deterred Mrs Thomas from calling Wittenoom home.
She said last week's deadline had passed with no signs of demolition crews.
She said the deadline had been extended to allow her family time to help with the move.
"It was my understanding ... that I could expect that the period would be extended," she said.
"Because of my circumstances … reliance on a family member."
Ms Thomas said she would eventually move three hours away to Port Hedland, and said it would be sad to say goodbye to her home of 40 years.
"The quietness, away from people," she said.
Retirement plans interrupted
Mr Willoughby moved to Wittenoom in 2017 with the intention to retire. He was attracted to the many hills and gorges that surround the town.
"I just love the countryside: The hills, the quietness, the fact that we've got the gorge that's only a couple of miles down the road," he said.
Mr Willoughby said the state government had not contacted him about the town's closure and said he would not be moving until he received an official notice.
"Until I see something or a government body tells me I've got to move, I'll stay here," he said.
"I haven't got anything in writing. The government knows who I am and they haven't sent me a letter."
Mr Willoughby said he did not have alternative living arrangements.
"I'm not sure where I'm going to be able to go," he said.
Wittenoom still attracting visitors
When the Wittenoom Closure Act passed state parliament, Lands Minister John Carey said he hoped it would stop "idiotic" tourists from visiting the historical, but deadly area.
However, there are some still willing to visit Wittenoom. Mark Nicolaou, from neighbouring town Tom Price is attracted to the town with its picturesque location.
He has plans to visit the town, even after the final buildings are removed.
