$56 million in long awaited compensation payments for PFAS contamination has finally started appearing in Katherine resident's bank accounts, after a landmark class action against the Department of Defence.
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After months of delays, a Shine Lawyers spokesperson - the firm representing the class action clients of Katherine, Williamtown and Oakey - confirmed settlement payments started appearing in people's bank accounts this week.
Not all of the 2500 residents who joined the class action have received their payout yet, with a Shine Lawyers spokesperson explaining differences in banks means the flow of money will be gradual and likely to continue until next week.
One resident told the Katherine Times they had not received their money yet but were "not worried" about the delay.
For residents who asked to receive a cheque payment, these must be deposited within 120 days of the date of issue.
Last week, Shine Lawyers sent an email stating the money was being transferred to residents but receiving the payout would take several business days.
The email contained final details on individual payments, with one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, set to receive more than $88,600.
The total amount was broken down into two sections: an amount for property diminution and an amount for inconvenience, distress and vexation.
About 2500 residents from Katherine who owned a property in the investigation area - the Katherine township - as at November 23 2016, joined the legal action against the Federal Government arguing for compensation over PFAS contamination and a subsequent fall in property values.
Settled in court last year, Katherine, Williamtown and Oakey will collectively receive $212.5 million, with Katherine receiving the highest share of $92.5 million.
Defence duly paid $92.5 million into a trust account for distribution through Shine Lawyers which has been gathering interest, however legal fees have slashed that figure almost in half to just over $56 million.
Properties had become unsaleable and some residents estimated they had lost at least a third in value of their property due to chemical contamination from the use of toxic fire fighting foams once used at RAAF Base Tindal near Katherine.
Katherine Town Council, which decided at a late stage to join the action, is the biggest property owner and is set to receive the biggest payment from the settlement.
KTC has been contacted for information on their portion of the settlement.
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