"When do I get my life back?" was the emotional plea a distressed and shaken Sue Walker posed to government representatives at last Wednesday's community walk-in session held for Port residents impacted by the PFAS contamination around Williamtown RAAF Base.
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It was also a cry from a deeply angry and frustrated Fullerton Cove resident, who summed up the feelings of the more than 2000 men, women and children who have lived in fear and uncertainty since the contamination was made public four years ago.
"I was shaking like a leaf and tearing up, yet I could not get an answer to my question," said Mrs Walker, who was so physically affected by the moment that she had to leave the room accompanied by friends.
Williamtown Residents Action Group president Lindsay Clout observed: "Not a single representative present went to check on her condition as she walked out."
"Everyone talks about the mental health impacts, the build up of stress and anxiety over four years of having our lives turned upside down, yet they have failed us again," he said.
A Defence spokesperson said that Sharon Nelmes, the Department of Human Resources' community liaison officer, was present and did provide emotional support to a number of residents, including one resident who left the building after the address by community members.
"[Ms Nelmes] focuses on community and individual well-being offering support to residents and linking them with relevant services available in the community."
Defence maintains its approach in responding to PFAS contamination has been responsible, evidence-based, risk-appropriate and sustainable.
"Defence has implemented a range of remediation and management actions which aim to reduce the amount of PFAS in the local community and prevent further migration," the spokesperson said.
About 100 people attended the session at Murrook Culture Centre in Williamtown.
The Defence assistant secretary (infrastructure) Chris Birrer, who provided part of the government's response to the Senate Inquiry, admitted that it would be difficult to say whether or not the total removal of PFAS would ever be achieved.
He also reiterated the government's stance that it would not be undertaking property buy-backs, and he agreed that residents were facing financial harm and decreased property values.
He would not comment on the class action expected to be heard in the courts originally set down for August.
Mr Birrer outlined recommended action for the PFAS management area plan in order to manage and reduce the risks of PFAS exposure.
"The three key areas include managing key on-base sources of the contamination; reducing the amount of PFAS in the environment and reducing its migration from the base and into the surrounding area; and managing identified exposure risks for the community and the environment," he said.
"This includes digging up contaminated soil and filling the excavated area with clean landfill and pumping contaminated water into a purpose-built facility designed to remove PFAS from the water. Next we aim to start treating ground water off the base."
In news on Monday, NSW Greens Senator Dr Mehreen Faruqi welcomed the Senate's action in passing her motion calling on the federal government to release its response to the Senate Inquiry into PFAS.
"This is an extremely serious issue that affects people living near the Williamtown RAAF base. This issue has caused significant mental, emotional and financial stress for people ."
Community members who have concerns or would like to talk to someone can contact Sharon Nelmes on 0436 655 285.
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