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The Port Stephens council and NSW state government have worked in collaboration with the federal government to establish the Williamtown Working Group.
Under the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body, the Williamtown Working Group (WWG) aims to collectivise community and government representatives to support measures that will mitigate the environmental and economic effects of PFAS contamination.
PFAS, man-made chemicals used things like firefighting foam and repellants, do not break down in the environment and can build up in human bodies, leading to health risks and them being dubbed “forever chemicals”.
Following recommendations from the Independent PFAS Review that was commissioned in 2023, the land around fundamental Australian defence bases that are impacted by PFAS contamination need to be effectively managed and conserved to quell the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure and the impacts to land use and value.
“The establishment of this working group is a practical step forward in delivering local solutions for those impacted by PFAS contamination here in Williamtown. I commend the community members who have put themselves forward to contribute to this important work,” Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil said.
As part of the WWG, community members, local, state and federal government representatives, and Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council leaders have been selected to join the WWG. Bringing a sense of locality to the issues of PFAS in the Williamtown area. Each member will be able to offer insight to identify and implement solutions.
State member for Port Stephens and member of the WWG, Kate Washington, said, “On behalf of the Minns Labor government, I remain willing to work with the Commonwealth government to get meaningful outcomes for local families who’ve been stuck in this PFAS nightmare for far too long.”
“Port Stephens residents deserve clarity and answers. This collaborative approach will help their voices be heard directly at the decision-making table,” said Leah Anderson, mayor of Port Stephens.
The WWG is set to have its first meeting on Thursday to pilot the working group and discuss local initiatives, such as a flood action plan to improve drainage around RAAF Base Williamtown. The PFAS National Coordinating Body will be involved in the progression of the WWG to provide oversight and strengthen national approaches.
“For far too long, our community has lived with the uncertainty and frustration caused by the PFAS contamination … this is about bringing everyone to the table – residents, the Worimi people, all levels of government – to make sure we’re working together on real solutions for Williamtown and the surrounding areas,” said Meryl Swanson, federal member for Paterson.
