Behind closed doors yesterday Defence Minister Marise Payne met with Williamtown residents alongside head of the Prime Minister's Perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) taskforce Senator James McGrath.
They heard stories from 20 residents on a cattle farm in Salt Ash, who are caught up in the Williamtown contamination scandal in one way or another.
Marise Payne promised their message would be taken back to Canberra, and Senator McGrath declared the government was in fact "deadly serious" about finding a solution for Williamtown and its residents.
"If I was to make my observation about the most compelling take out of today's meeting it is that people who are part of this community, who love this community, some who've lived here for a very long time want to be empowered to make decisions about what they do in relation to their own futures and their own properties amongst their own community for their children and for themselves. That is the message we will take back today," said Marise Payne.
Residents have had many meetings since the contamination scandal broke in September 2015 and have often had their hopes dashed that something would be done.
Yesterday's meeting was filled with mixed emotions with one resident accusing the government of criminal negligence.
When asked why it would be wrong to say what the government is looking into, Senator McGrath replied, "because we are looking into the different options that are available and what the government is looking at in terms of the Williamtown local community. It's something that I'm working on at the moment. It would be wrong of me to give a date".
Each resident had their story to tell and Lindsay Cout from the Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group said there are people who have left their properties and are now renting outside of the 'red zone', using their savings so they can cover their mortgages but they are drained out and running out of time.
"I am indifferent as to what impact it had, but we had the best environment for it and they heard some really harrowing stories and the question was put to them 'How many more babies have to be born with high levels in their blood before somebody takes some action?' It's beyond talking now," said Lindsay Clout.
Marise Payne said the contaminants were once used broadly and internationally in firefighting foams, in scotch guard to protect lounge suits or on raincoats and in non-stick frying pan surfaces that are used every single day, so there was no conception whatsoever of their persistent nature.
"We still have questions in relation to their ultimate impact in health terms and in environmental terms."
"Well, I fully expected today there would be some hope given to those people that there would be some mention that yes we are considering that process but I didn't hear that... Defence needs to stand up and say it is time to get these people out of this contaminated area," said Lindsay Clout.
