Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson said the defence department need to do a better job of informing residents about PFAS contamination.
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“I think the department of defence needs to kind of step up on addressing this issue,” Ms Nelson said.
“I have been advocating strongly since this first came out.
“One of the things I have been pushing for is that we are not provided the same access to the same services that are afforded to all the other jurisdictions.
“That really bothers me, and I think we deserve that; we need it.”
Ms Nelson said she is starting a petition to give Katherine residents access to health packages afforded to other PFAS contaminated areas.
“The other thing I am concerned about is that they have conducted a national epidemiological study, but the Northern Territory is not included in that particular study.”
Ms Nelson said residents have a right to be concerned about PFAS contamination.
“I think the town council has acted swiftly in closing the pool until they can bring those levels down,” she said.
“I absolutely understand the community’s concerns about the PFAS levels.
“I am concerned as well.”
NT health minister Natasha Fyles agreed the Department of Defence needs to take on the responsibility of the issue and rectify some of the problems for the community.
“I have been on the ground here today and watched Sandra really advocate strongly with the Department of Defence representatives explaining that they have to take responsibility,” she said.
“Now the swimming pool is closed during the build-up and that is difficult for people.”