No dates for HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell firefighting foam contamination meetings

Defence to test HMAS Albatross for contamination

Environmental testing being carried out at Albatross

​Community meeting told firefighters used foam to wash dishes and cars

Former Albatross firefighter concerned over possible contamination

Defence Minister Marise Payne says blood tests will be available for military

Further community meeting over possible Albatross contamination

Dates are still to be set for the next round of community consultation into possible contamination at HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell by the historical use of firefighting foams.

During a visit to the area on Monday, Chief of Navy Tim Barrett said consultation would be held as soon the relevant information was received.

“I’m very conscious we should not meet if we do not have things to say,” Vice Admiral Barrett said.

“But I am aware the testing and reports that are needed to verify that testing is under way and as soon as we have that information there will be community consultation.”

A defence report released earlier this month said the Army Aviation Centre at Oakey in Queensland had suffered significant contamination due to the historical use of firefighting foams containing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PDFOA).

The report went as far as saying residents should avoid drinking and bathing in water contaminated by PFOS and PFOA.

They are the same foams used at both Albatross and the Jervis Bay Airfield for many years.

Defence has also been carrying out testing into possible historical contamination the foams may have had on the soil, groundwater and surface water.

In August, defence said the next community information session to discuss the current results of the local investigation was expected in September.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs said due to systems limitations, it was not possible to identify claim numbers by type of chemical exposure or mustering of the firefighting personnel .

“However, the number of ex-ADF firefighter claims being lodged is believed to be very low,” the DVA spokesperson said.    

“DVA has commissioned an independent case file examination of 29 clients who may have been exposed to fuel. This case file examination will be finalised later this year.”