BY SARAH JAMES
The Port Stephens Labor Council have committed to providing rate relief to residents affected by contamination from the Williamtown RAAF Base, if elected.
Of the estimated 630 homes in the 'red zone', the owners have had to pay full Council rates for the past two years despite learning their land is contaminated.
Labor West Ward candidate Giacomo Arnott said "after two years of inaction, the affected residents deserve the support of their Council, and we will ensure that Council is providing this support".
At this stage it is unknown exactly how much the Council rates will be cut, but Fullerton Cove resident Lindsay Clout believes it should be by 100%.
"Defence have told us they have a forecast that this contamination will be in the water until at least 2036, so we don't think we should be paying rates while we're contaminated," he said.
