PFAS contamination at the Rockhampton Airport is finally on track to be cleaned up, with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works recommending the House of Representatives approve a $24.975 million remediation project.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has welcomed the long-awaited move.
“Decades of PFAS-laden firefighting foam have caused devastating environmental and social impacts for families in Pink Lily,” Ms Landry said.
“One Pink Lily resident, Christine Stasch, courageously spoke out about the shocking devaluation of her property due to PFAS in their soil and water. Knocking back this project would have been a slap in the face to her and the entire community.”
A recent federal inquiry found PFAS to be carcinogenic and linked to serious health issues, including heart disease, neurological effects and developmental harm.
“To know this chemical has been sitting so close to homes near the former Airservices Australia training grounds is nothing short of alarming,” Ms Landry said.
“This work must proceed urgently to reduce any further environmental and health risks.”
Ms Landry also raised concerns about how far the contamination may have spread.
“Given the airport sits in a flood-prone area, we need answers on exactly how far PFAS has travelled through the environment and into our waterways,” she said.
“Airservices Australia must seriously consider compensation for residents who have been directly impacted.”
The cleanup is expected to take five to eight months and will remove approximately 183 kilograms of PFAS from the site near the decommissioned firefighting training facility.
(Image courtesy of ABC Capricornia)
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