“The Federal Government has ruled out land purchases as a result of PFAS contamination.
The Federal Government’s PFAS Taskforce yesterday announced a $73.1 million package of measures.
‘Based on the knowledge and evidence available at this time, the Federal Government is not considering a land purchase program as a result of PFAS contamination,’ the government said.
Relevant departments will continue current PFAS investigation, management and remediation programs, and will review management practices and adjust them as necessary to respond to any new evidence as it arises.
The government will provide $55.2 million over five years from 2018-19 for a drinking water program.
The program, which has commenced, is for property owners in communities surrounding Army Aviation Centre Oakey and RAAF Bases Williamtown, Tindal and Pearce, who use bores as their primary source of drinking water, and where PFAS is present at levels above the drinking water guidance value.
Residents surrounding defence bases, including Katherine, are already mounting class actions seeking compensation for lost property values from Defence.
The Federal Government said it would also provide an additional $17.9 million over five years from 2017-18 to the Department of the Environment and Energy.
This funding is part of the ongoing commitment to respond to PFAS contamination issues, protect the environment and minimise human exposure.
Part of this funding will support the continued operation of the PFAS Taskforce within the Department of the Environment and Energy. This is consistent with the role Australia’s environment ministers are playing in overseeing the implementation of the Intergovernmental Agreement on a Framework for Responding to PFAS Contamination.
This new funding builds on the Government’s extensive investments of more than $100 million, in research into new technologies for PFAS removal and disposal; research into potential health effects; counselling support and voluntary blood testing for affected communities; and ongoing investigation and remediation activities….”
Read the full article by Chris McLennan