Blue Mountains News

Mayor Mark Greenhill raised a Mayoral Matter of Urgency at the 25 February Council meeting, requesting the update include information on the NSW Government’s PFAS testing regime, the publication of results, and funding for blood testing for residents who request it.

It is the third time Cr Greenhill has brought the matter to Council, following increasing concerns raised by locals.

Cr Greenhill said Council has been strongly advocating to the NSW Government for a full and proper account of what caused the elevated PFAS levels, as well as impacts on both the environment and community health.

Council also presented a comprehensive submission and appeared before the NSW Legislative Council’s Select Committee on PFAS Contamination earlier this month.

“The response and management of current PFAS issues are the responsibility of the NSW Government agencies of Water NSW, Sydney Water and NSW Health,” Cr Greenhill said.

“Water NSW manages the supply of drinking water in the Blue Mountains, and information pertaining to any health action that arises as the result of PFAS contamination needs to come from the agency responsible - NSW Health.

“But Council needs to be kept informed by the NSW Government agencies responsible for this concerning issue. That’s why I put forward this issue as a matter of urgency.

“What Council is focused on is continuing to advocate for timely and transparent information from Water NSW, Sydney Water and NSW Health to the community.”