Environment Protection (Disposal of PFAS Contaminated Substances) Amendment Bill

Introduction and First Reading

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (17:25): Obtained leave and introduced a bill for an act to amend the Environment Protection Act 1993. Read a first time.

Second Reading

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (17:26): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

Earlier this year, the McLaren Vale food, wine and tourism industry received the devastating news that the region is being considered as a dumping ground for PFAS toxic waste. There is a proposal by Southern Waste ResourceCo to dispose of contaminated waste from all over Australia in the world-class wine region of McLaren Vale.

Members may be aware that PFAS is a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used extensively in consumer and industrial projects since the 1950s. They were used to manufacture non-stick coatings on products that require resistance to water, heat, fire, stain and weather, and in some types of firefighting foam.

This proposal has caused widespread outrage amongst the community that will be directly impacted. More than 6,000 people have signed a petition to prevent the dumping from being approved, which has gained the support of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association and many other local winemakers and business owners. The food and wine production industries in McLaren Vale employ thousands of people and export premium produce to the rest of Australia and the world daily.

The proposed dump site is surrounded by vineyards, and is only a couple of kilometres from Tatachilla Lutheran College, which has 1,100 students, and it is less than a five-minute drive from the new Aldinga birth to year 12 school, where 1,650 students will attend. Local residents consider their health is at risk, along with the entire McLaren Vale winemaking and tourism industry.

People do not want these sort of substances in these concentrations anywhere near the people, the schools, food manufacturing and production areas. This legislation, championed by the member for Mawson in the other place, will not only protect the primary producers, residents and business owners in McLaren Vale but everyone in South Australia. The bill proposes to ban the dumping of PFAS-contaminated material in the Greater Adelaide planning region, within 50 kilometres of land used for the business of primary production, or within a township or within five kilometres of the boundaries of a township.

No-one should be exposed to the dangers of PFAS. It is important that we protect our land, food bowls and water tables for future generations. I commend this bill to the chamber and seek the support of all parties in ensuring the disposal of this toxic substance is done in areas where it is least likely to cause harm to the environment, businesses and, most importantly, to South Australian communities. I commend the bill.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. R. P. Wortley.