HEALTH CHECKS CALL

THE state government needs to provide a health surveillance program and regular blood tests for any parties potentially affected by the PFAS contamination in the Barilla Rivulet, Franklin Greens MHA Rosalie Woodruff says.

Dr Woodruff, the Greens’ environment and biodiversity spokeswoman, said PFAS was a “proven health hazard” and it was “very serious” that elevated levels had been detected at a property outside the Tasmania Fire Service’s Cambridge training facility.

The property had used water from the Barilla Rivulet – which runs into the Pitt Water Nature Reserve – for irrigation.

“The local community, and all fishers of Pitt Water, need immediate disclosure about the assessments undertaken,” Dr Woodruff said.

“The silence around this serious PFAS contamination, where a property has a ‘no consumption’ order on its produce and Pitt Water finfish have been contaminated, raises huge questions about the government’s commitment to putting the health of the community first.”

Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the TFS was working with environmental consultants to provide advice, undertake ongoing testing and to determine remediation strategies.