Red Zone residents who have seen their property values decimated due to PFAS contamination are hoping the multi-million dollar Williamtown Special Activation Precinct will provide a fair and equitable opportunity to sell their properties.
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The 10,000 hectare precinct, announced in May, is designed to enable the Hunter to grow as a national and international defence hub.
The state government has committed $5 million for the master planning process.
The scale of the precinct means that it is likely to need to acquire PFAS-contaminated land in the area.
Many of the residents who stand to have their land acquired participated in a recently concluded class action against the federal government for the loss of value to their property.
The Federal Court approved the historic $212 million class action settlement for communities at Williamtown, Oakey and Katherine in June, however, no money has yet reached class action members.
Many are now bracing for the prospect of negotiating with the state government over the acquisition of their properties.
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Jenny and Terry Robinson have seen the value of their Cabbage Tree Road property plummet as a result of PFAS contamination.
Ms Robinson said she was not opposed to leaving but said she wanted the option of moving to an area with similar features to where they presently reside.
"Where else can we afford to go that is close to the beach, Newcastle and the hospital?," she said.
"We should get like for like, not in terms of property value but amenity."
"They (the government) are going to make money out this project. Let's hope they give the residents who have been through so much a fair deal."
It was a similar story for Rob Roseworne, who runs a boarding kennel business.
"I have the ability to take 170 dogs and 90 cats. My customers will follow me within this area. I don't mind being in the precinct if they deem my property is more important than others but I am asking for like-for-like or relocation at their expense," he said.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Regional NSW said: "Any land acquisitions related to Special Activation Precincts will be done in accordance with the Just Terms Act and other relevant legal frameworks, under which both the acquiring authority and the landowner will seek an independent valuation," she said.
Two community information sessions will be held next week. The first will be held on Tuesday December 1 between 1pm and 4pm. The second will be held on Wednesday December 2 between 2pm and 5pm.
Both sessions will be held at Williamtown Hall.
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
