Despite “grave concerns” regarding environmental contamination at Forest Hill, Wagga’s outspoken councillor has applauded the integrity of the agency responsible.
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Paul Funnell said the 2016 discovery of the PFAS chemicals in areas outside RAAF Base Wagga had been troubling.
But he said he could not fault the Department of Defence for being upfront and open about the investigation and processes along the way.
Councillor Funnell’s words come ahead of a community walk-in session, set to take place at Forest Hill Public School on Thursday.
It is here the results of a detailed site investigation are set to be revealed to the public, with residents welcome to attend from 1pm to 6pm.
Per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were ingredients found in firefighting foam a number of agencies, including RAAF, had used from the ‘70s to 2008.
They are highly persistent, remaining in the body, ground and water system for a number of years.
A federal-government-launched independent health panel last month found insufficient evidence to support claims exposure to poly-fluoroalkyl substances greatly impacted a person’s health, but were shown to be toxic to fish and some animals.
The detailed site investigation was launched in September 2017, after preliminary testing found traces of the chemicals in ground and surface water around the Air Force base.
While the contamination levels were minimal – compared to other RAAF Bases – it was enough to warrant further testing.
As the Riverina Water deputy chair, a member of the Murray Darling Association and as an irrigator, Cr Funnell said he understood the impact any water contamination to have on entire communities.
“Once you contaminate your water table you can’t fix it,” Cr Funnell said.
“This is why there has been ongoing monitoring and concern about what has happened here.”
But Cr Funnell said the key to fixing any problem was in admitting there was something wrong.
“Tell the people and let’s work out how we’re going to address it,” he said.
“I take hat off to Defence for being proactive.
“They’re going to come under some fire, but they are going to be here to answer the questions they can, on the day the results are released.”
Cr Funnell said it was more than any other agency had done.
Ahead of Thursday’s unveiling, the Wagga councillor urged residents to attend the forum, read the materials, ask questions and learn what they could.
