THE HON RICHARD MARLES MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
GAI BRODTMANN MP SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
MERYL SWANSON MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON
PENNY SHARPE MLC SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
KATE WASHINGTON MP STATE MEMBER FOR PORT STEPHENS
STATE AND FEDERAL LABOR COMMIT 20 million to remediate PFAS contaminated drains around RAAF Base Williamtown following four years of inaction from state and federal Liberal Governments.
PFAS in the soil and sediment of the drainage systems surrounding properties in Williamtown, Salt Ash and Fullerton Cove continues to leach into neighbouring properties. This is a primary source of frustration and concern for the community.
While Defence is working on reducing and eliminating the flow of PFAS off the Base, contamination will not diminish until the drains themselves cease being a source of PFAS.
Both state and federal Liberal Governments are unwilling and unable to commit to or commence any clean up in the area. The unimplemented Drainage Management Plan from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage would leave contaminated material on private properties after being removed from drains.
Labor's 10 million each for the project to be carried out by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
Labor's national PFAS policy will be announced before the next federal election.
