BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE AND JARROD MELMETH
Williamtown residents living in the red zone will have the chance to address an inquiry into the federal government’s management of PFAS contamination in and around defence bases.
More than 50 residents are in attendance at the hearing in Williamtown where residents, action groups, politicians and a former RAAF Base Commander will be given time to speak to the committee panel.
President of the Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group, Lindsay Clout said while it is a step forward it has taken far too long to get here.
"It is just another indication of the disconnected and sloppy approach that has been taken so far. The federal government have not been treating it seriously and they need to get their act together. Today is a huge step for us to give them that information so that they can get their act together," Mr Clout said.
The inquiry has received 64 submissions from residents and health experts as well as local, state and federal representatives, but only eight people who submitted have been given the opportunity to speak at the hearing.
Mr Clout said he understands the time constraints on the committee if everyone was invited to speak.
"It is certainly difficult to cater for everyone, so what they have done is provided a cross-section. They have read through the 60-odd submissions and then chosen a mix so that the committee can hear from both our action group and from individuals," Mr Clout said.
In a submission to the inquiry, Williamtown resident, Michelle Sansom said she is "extremely upset" that the land where she grew up and has "an emotional attachment to" is now a contaminated wasteland "due to the carelessness of the RAAF Base."
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, who is sitting on the Committee said Williamtown has borne the brunt of the government's inaction and neglect for too long.
Residents living and working near the Williamtown RAAF base were warned by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority in September 2015 that elevated levels of toxic chemicals had been found in the surrounding areas. Since this time over 90 PFAS sites have been identified around the country.
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| Tuesday's inquiry into PFAS contamination at Williamtown. Photo: Kate Washington. |
