Federal Labor is encouraging residents and businesses affected by the contamination of soil and water from legacy fire-fighting foams at RAAF Base Williamtown to make submissions as part of a wide-ranging Senate inquiry.The inquiry will examine contamination at RAAF Base Williamtown and its surrounds and will report by 4 February 2016.
Submissions arenow openand will close on 14 December 2015. Residents are encouraged to come forward and share their stories of how theyve been affected.
A public hearing will be held in Canberra this Thursday 3 December, followed by a public hearing in Williamtown on 22 December 2015.
The areas to be reviewed by the inquiry include the:
Degree of contamination
Response of Federal, State and local government agencies
Adequacy of measures to ensure the health, wellbeing and safety of Australian military and civilian personnel at RAAF Base Williamtown
Adequacy of health advice and testing of those exposed or potentially exposed to legacy fire-fighting foams
Level of consultation and coordination with the community
Progress of remediation programs, and
Consideration of financial impacts and assistance to affected business and individuals.
The inquiry is welcome news for residents who have been dealing with this complex financial, health and environmental issue and a great deal of uncertainty since news of the contamination broke in September.
The motion for an inquiry was co-sponsored by Senators Conroy and Rhiannon and has passed through the Senate.
Labor will continue to advocate for the Williamtown and surrounding community.
