Wittenoom's few diehard residents can expect to get an improved offer of more money from the State Government to persuade them to move out of the asbestos contaminated settlement.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the offer was "working its way through the system" and he hoped it could be presented some time this year.

But Mr Grylls played down any move to compulsorily acquire the properties should the residents refuse to sell.

"I don't think we're planning to go in there and drag them out by their feet," Mr Grylls said.

The previous Labor government recommended compulsory acquisition if residents refused to move.

They were offered about $40,000 for each property and other assistance of up to $14,000, as well as access to a shared-equity scheme to help them relocate.

News of an improved cash offer comes two years after the authorities stepped up efforts to close Wittenoom because of the health risks they say remain from the previous mining of blue asbestos in nearby gorges.

Only eight residents live in Wittenoom permanently but many tourists pass through on their way to visit Karijini National Park.

Residents have lost all their amenities and servicing by government agencies and have to rely on solar and diesel-powered generators for power but they have steadfastly rejected cash offers to leave.

Mario Hartmann, who has lived in Wittenoom for almost two decades, said he had made his home exactly how he wanted it, and the lifestyle Wittenoom offered suited him.

"You'll never find anything like this again," he said.

Lorraine Thomas, who moved to Wittenoom in 1984, said the Government offer was not enough to allow her to buy elsewhere, and when the community considered the options of where they wanted to live, most were discarded because it was not their choice.

"This was our choice," she said.

MARK IRVING