Councils from across Australia already know what big financial troubles lie ahead. Second, they are taking the growing threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination by the horns. This is a family of roughly 15,000 synthetic chemicals. They are better known for their heat-resistant, non-stick, and waterproof properties, but they come with extreme environmental and health hazards. PFAS are highly mobile and can persist for hundreds of years. Their impact has already poisoned water supplies, such as the Belubula River, which was discovered to be toxic last year.
Only just last week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released national baseline PFAS levels in blood. The 2019 ATSDR report found that these chemicals are highly prevalent, with three of the eight types detected in more than 85% of the population. The good news is that the Commonwealth is already moving to address these growing concerns. First, beginning July 1, 2025, they will prohibit the import, export, sale, and manufacture of three PFAS. Conservationists say this latest step is not nearly enough.
Financial Implications for Local Councils
Local councils, like Blayney Shire Council, are now left to contend with the huge costs of remediating PFAS contaminated land. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has sent formal notifications to councils. They have a much greater financial burden to bear in cleaning up polluted properties. For Blayney’s landfill site, or the Blayney tip, these costs are huge. Onsite treatment cost has been estimated at over $400,000. Ongoing investigations and monitoring will bring the cost of the bill up another $110,000.
Blayney Mayor Bruce Reynolds said he was alarmed at the continuing cost shifting onto local governments. He stated, “We’re being charged to remove contamination for what is still a legal product here in Australia.” As you can imagine, local leaders are frustrated. They argue that the producers of these chemicals, rather than taxpayers, should be held responsible.
“This is completely at odds with the ‘polluter pays’ principle.” – A New South Wales mayor
Environmental and Health Concerns
There are important health and safety concerns with PFAS in our environment. These chemicals have been associated with a range of harmful health effects, which advocates and public health experts have pointed to as need for stronger regulations. Councils are preparing to defend against these lawsuits. Residents are justifiably concerned about the damage that such actions will do to public health and to their local ecosystems.
According to EPA, waste facilities have become major tertiary sources of PFAS contamination. To this end, councils should take the lead on planning enforcement to stop any further spread. Consequently, Mayor Reynolds suggested that Blayney could potentially be a “trailblazer” in tackling PFAS concerns, should it take the step in remediating affected areas. He remarked, “We may be the pioneers — others may have to follow,” suggesting that other councils may soon face similar challenges.
Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) provided a robust submission opposing the Commonwealth’s planned national ban. They criticized it as “too little, too late.” Instead, they push for a wide-ranging ban on all PFAS. Otherwise, businesses may simply pivot to different versions of these chemicals, perpetuating the cycle of contamination.
“The ban should be on all types of PFAS; otherwise the government will simply be playing catch up as companies switch to other types of PFAS.” – WMRR
The Path Forward
While councils are still trying to work their way through this knotty problem, the burden of an active investigation and real time health monitoring and tracking looms large. With costs rising and environmental regulations becoming more stringent, all is not well on the local government highway. The need for partnership and cooperation between local governments and federal agencies has never been needed more.
Asking for forgiveness instead of permission Cr Reynolds stressed the need to be proactive. Don’t be surprised,” he cautioned, “It might be coming to you very soon.” What he was really getting at though, was the PFAS crisis spreading to other areas of the country if we don’t act right now.
