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The federal government has launched an independent review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination, for release early next year.
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The review, led by Torrens University Australia chancellor Jim Varghese AM, will seek to identify opportunities where adjacent land may be repurposed to support the Australian Defence Force and better support communities.
It will focus on communities impacted by PFAS contamination around RAAF Base Williamtown in NSW, the Army Aviation Centre Oakey in Queensland, and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.
PFAS manufactured chemicals were previously used by the Australian Defence Force in some types of specialised firefighting foams and legacy firefighting equipment to control liquid fuel fires. They began being phased out in 2004 due to potential negative health and exposure effects.
“I have spoken directly with communities impacted by PFAS contamination to hear their concerns. They want solutions. I would like to thank each community for this ongoing and productive consultation,” Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said.
“We know that Defence’s historic use of PFAS has resulted in some diminished opportunities for land uses around some Defence bases.
“The findings of this Review will be important in informing the government about how to help communities affected by PFAS contamination around Defence bases.”
Additionally, there will be an opportunity for other communities affected by Defence’s historic use of PFAS to make submissions to the review, alongside a public consultation process and hearing schedule to be released in coming weeks.
