West Australian Lands Minister John Carey says he stands by the eviction of 80-year-old Lorraine Thomas from her home in Wittenoom.
Mr Carey said health was the key factor in the decision to close the asbestos-riddled town.
"As reported by the Asbestos Diseases Society, to date more than 2,000 workers and residents of Wittenoom have died from asbestos diseases," he said.
"Wittenoom is a known contaminated site and the town was de-gazetted, reflective of the known health risks to the community."
The minister affirmed the government's commitment to close the town and acquire the remaining properties, including Ms Thomas's home of 40 years.
"[It] is the right decision to resolve this long-standing industrial tragedy, protect public health and will put an end to a dark period in our state's history," Mr Carey said.
"The former resident has now left and the state government has secured all properties ahead of demolition works.
"Infrastructure has been decommissioned to deter people from staying in the former townsite."
Ms Thomas was given notice to leave Wittenoom on several occasions.
She had been ordered to leave the town on August 31, but missed that deadline due to what the family described as "personal circumstances".
Mr Carey said Ms Thomas spoke to authorities on the day and willingly agreed to leave.
"The former resident was given multiple extensions to vacate the premises and subsequently two officers from the WA Sheriff's Office attended to serve an eviction notice," he said.
"The remaining resident was asked if she would voluntarily vacate the premises, however, would be permitted to return to collect her final belongings – this was agreed to by all parties."
Was this the best way?
Ms Thomas' daughter, Aileen Thomas, was in the process of relocating her mother to Port Hedland and was regularly driving from there to her mother's home in Wittenoom.
Aileen was in Port Hedland during the eviction and said her mum was "distraught and confused" when she spoke to her on the phone.
She would have liked more time to move her mother and say a proper goodbye.
"I've spoken to her, she's very upset and distraught, she did not quite understand what was happening," Aileen said.
She believes the eviction of her mother could have been delayed a couple days to avoid the unnecessary stress.
"We could have done it in our own time, our own way, without all the stress and the hassle and the people telling her to up her pack things and get out, then having to watch our house being boarded up," she said.
"I'm devastated because this wasn't necessary to put mum through this."
Intent clear, Minister says
Megan Woolford, who witnessed the eviction, said the people who spoke to Lorraine Thomas were in full body gear with their faces covered.
She believed the sudden arrival of masked strangers would have been very distressing for Ms Thomas.
"There were two men in their full protective gear, one went one side of the property and the other one went around the other side of the property," she said.
"I don't think I'd want my grandmother or family member to be treated that way."
Mr Carey said it was a necessary health precaution.
"The state government makes no apologies in ensuring officials who attended the site were wearing the correct personal protective equipment including respirators and will always put in place appropriate decontamination protocols," he said.
With the town now officially empty, the state government will proceed with its plans to demolish Wittenoom.
Mr Carey said he had been "very clear" about the government's intent to remove any remaining structures in the townsite.
