Oakey water contamination: Residents’ bid for compensation

SOLICITORS for Queensland residents affected by firefighting foam that leached from an army base into soil and ­waterways have explained the lawsuit they intend to file.

Oakey residents attend a community meeting where Shine Lawyers and environmental activist Erin Brockovich spoke this week. Pic: Tara Croser

DEFENCE Minister Marise Payne says the department is aware Oakey residents are preparing compensation claims, but says a formal claim has not been filed.

Solicitors from Shine Lawyers announced at a public meeting in Oakey this week they had secured internal approval and funding to go ahead with a class-action lawsuit against Defence over the water contamination crisis.

Speaking to hundreds of Oakey residents yesterday, Shine solicitors explained that the lawsuit would sue Defence for negligence and nuisance on behalf of those affected by firefighting foam that leached from the army base into soil and ­waterways.

“This is an enormous and expensive process for a government to deal with,” Shine Lawyers senior partner Peter Shannon said yesterday.

“They’re required to protect the public first and without someone looking over their shoulder, they won’t be doing that.”

Senator Payne yesterday told The Courier-Mail she was aware of Shine Lawyers’ intention to launch a compensation claim.

Erin Brockovich addresses Oakey residents, urging them to join the lawsuit. Pic: Tara Croser

“Shine Lawyers have approached Defence on behalf of a number of local residents in relation to potential compensation claims arising from the detections of PFOS at Oakey,” she said.

“No formal claim has been filed and served on ­Defence at this time.”

A Defence spokesman said the department had “no comment” other than to say that any legal action that was taken against the department would rely on the guidance of the ­attorney-general.

Queensland Environment Minister Steven Miles said the residents’ move to litigate was regrettable but necessary.

“I can understand why residents feel like they need to turn to legal action, given the way Defence has handled this so far,” he said.

“I think it’s a shame residents might have to use the courts when Defence and the Federal Government really should be providing a fair, simple and easily accessible solution to this case.”

Defence is currently conducting a human health risk study in Oakey, which is expected to be ­released this month.