Defence Minister Peter Dutton spoke with Defence Force chiefs about ongoing PFAS contamination at Williamtown RAAF base on Monday.
He acknowledged the problem was far from fixed but would not be drawn on the possibility of property buy-backs as some in the community have requested.
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"It's a very difficult time for a number of landholders. I acknowledge that," Mr Dutton said.
"I was speaking with the base commander here today about engagement with the community about noise, PFAS and other issues.
"We will continue to work very closely with members of the community. We acknowledge that it's a difficult issue in relation to property prices and health concerns that people have."
Red Zone residents whose lives have been devastated by PFAS contamination gave evidence about their lived experiences at last week's meeting of the PFAS sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
Fullerton Cove resident Lindsay Clout said in many respects the community had gone backwards in the past two years.
He said many residents had become "financial lepers" who had been left to fend for themselves.
Sub-committee Deputy Chair and Paterson MP Meryl Swanson said Red Zone residents were angry, frustrated, distrustful, and exhausted by their six-year battle with the Department of Defence.
"They've just had enough," Ms Swanson said.
"They've been told PFAS contamination is at the same level as it was in 2017, despite Defence spending more than $100 million, and the only opportunity they have for getting answers is a drop-in session on December 8.
"I thank these residents for their persistence and their courage, and I am so sorry they have to keep telling their stories and feel like they are getting nowhere."
The Department of Defence will hold a community drop-in session at Singleton on December 7 and Williamtown on December 8.
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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.
