$92.5 million PFAS payout for Katherine residents after class action win
RESIDENTS in Katherine will receive $92.5 million after winning a long-running class action against the Federal Government on PFAS contamination
Northern Territory
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RESIDENTS in Katherine will receive $92.5 million after winning a long-running class action against the Federal Government on PFAS contamination.
The Federal Government has agreed to settle compensation claims brought by the Katherine, Williamtown and Oakey communities against the Department of Defence for contamination from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, chemicals used in firefighting foam at defence bases.
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Federal Court documents released today show that $92.5 million will be paid to residents of Katherine.
There were about 2500 property owners involved in the claim, including Katherine Town Council.
Shine Lawyers, who acted on behalf of the residents, said a scheme to distribute the funds among them is expected to be finalised in coming months.
Class actions practice leader Joshua Aylward said the win was a long time coming.
“These residents have endured an agonising wait for justice spanning several years and that has taken a toll on them both emotionally and financially,” he said.
“I’m confident the compensation we have secured on their behalf will help them to begin a new chapter in their lives.”
Katherine NT Action Group founder Greg Dowling, who was a part of the class action, said no amount of money could undo the damage PFAS had done to his life.
“It’s devastated my life, my health has deteriorated from the toxins,” he said.
“If they really wanted to make amends, they would clean our contaminated land and water tables.”
Katherine mayor Fay Miller said the focus would now be on how that $92.5 million would be distributed.
“Priority should be for those people living in the red area, severely impacted by the contamination,” she said.
“On the surface this deal looks good but the devil is in the details.
“I’m actually pleased its finally come to a decision. Some class actions can take years and years before they see anything.”
Originally published as $92.5 million PFAS payout for Katherine residents after class action win