A REVIEW of land uses around Defence bases impacted by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination was announced this month.
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann wants to encourage residents living near the Royal Australian Air Force Base, Amberley to have their say.
The independent review was announced on September 20, by Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite.
“It will be led by Springfield City Group Executive Director Jim Varghese, who is a former Director-General of the Queensland Departments of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Main Roads, Employment, Training, and Education,” he said.
“The inquiry will focus on communities around the RAAF Base in Williamtown New South Wales, the Army Aviation Centre in Oakey and the RAAF Base in Tindal in the Northern Territory.
“However, there will be an opportunity for other communities around Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination to make submissions to the review, which includes residents living around RAAF Base Amberley.”
The review will explore alternative uses for land and communities around Defence bases that have undergone the impact of PFAS contamination.
“This includes identifying opportunities where adjacent land may be repurposed to support the Australian Defence Force to deliver on the Defence Strategic Review, while better supporting communities.
“We know that Defence’s historic use of PFAS has reduced opportunities for land use around some Defence bases.
“Monitoring and remediation activities will continue at the RAAF Base Amberley while the review is underway, as part of Defence’s ongoing PFAS Investigation and Management program.
“I know there are still community concerns in areas near the base, like Amberley, Willowbank and Leichhardt, about the potential health impacts of exposure to PFAS from consuming home-grown produce or fish caught in local waterways.
“I have continued to call for free voluntary blood testing to be made available to residents in these areas and I have written to Health Minister Mark Butler to request this.
“This review is a great opportunity for residents in my electorate to provide feedback on PFAS contamination issues, it is expected to be finalised in early 2024, and I am urging all residents to get involved.”
