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Australia is initiating plans to remediate Wilkes Station in Antarctica, an abandoned facility from 1957 posing major pollution risks. Built by the US Navy and later handed to Australia, the station contains hazardous materials, including asbestos and buried fuel barrels, with some leaking into the soil.

A risk assessment has been ongoing to create a prioritized remediation strategy, with findings expected to guide future clean-up efforts. A parliamentary inquiry called for full remediation by 2030. Previous estimates suggest clean-up costs could reach $136 million, pending further assessment outcomes.