TAMWORTH Regional Council is applying further pressure to the federal government as it fights to avoid bearing more costs from contamination at the airport.
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Council has spent $147,649 on various investigations associated with this issue of per– and poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at Tamworth Regional Airport.
However, the preliminary investigation is almost complete and council is proposing to not spend further ratepayer funds until the Australian government provides confirmation it will reimburse costs
“We will raise the issue at the National General Assembly in June and we are now asking the Australian government to commit to reimbursing funds spent to date, and incurred in future for the management and remediation of this contamination,” mayor Col Murray said.
Councillors will consider the proposal at their ordinary meeting on Tuesday evening.
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“Our focus until now has been on ensuring the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has received the assistance required to progress the investigation,” Cr Murray said.
“We are confident now, that so long as residents follow this advice, they are not exposed to further risk and we can continue our push for federal support.”
Preliminary advice to affected residents included not using groundwater, bore water or surface water for drinking or cooking and to avoid eating home-grown food produced using contaminated water.
Specific tailored advice has also been provided to each affected resident.
The report to be considered by council said “further expenditure will certainly be required to complete the various investigations”.