The first mention of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community's class action against the Department of Defence over contamination by the historic use of toxic firefighting foam was heard in the Federal Court in Sydney on Friday.
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Justice Michael Lee, who is hearing the class action, has set down the next hearing date of Friday, June 4 and in the meantime ordered both parties to "begin discussions with a mediator".
Wreck Bay is part of the Jervis Bay ACT Territory on the NSW South Coast.
The action, brought by Shine Lawyers on behalf of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council alleges the substance, known as PFAS, leached into the soil and waterways, damaging culturally significant sites in Wreck Bay, negatively impacting the value of the land.
The action is claiming the loss in property value, inconvenience, stress and vexation and cultural loss, alleging the Commonwealth negligently allowed contaminants within the fire-fighting foam to escape from the HMAS Creswell and the Jervis Bay Range Facility bases.
More than 30 Wreck Bay residents were coached to Sydney to hear the opening day's proceedings.
Wreck Bay resident James Williams described the opening day as "positive".
"There were a lot of procedural matters heard but I felt we got a very good hearing," he said.
"We walked out of court positive that we are heading in the right direction."
Justice Lee has heard previous PFAS cases, which Mr Williams believes is an advantage as "he's already across the PFAS issues and contamination".
"I got a positive vibe from the justice, that he was there for the people of Wreck Bay," Mr Williams said.
"I feel over the moon and excited now but also mentally exhausted - just drained from all the build up lead up to getting the class action to court."
A number of Wreck Bay elders also made the journey to Sydney for the case.
"They all took safety precautions, " Mr Williams said.
"But I think it was good for them to also see this action finally getting to court.
"It's certainly a long way from Wreck Bay - being in the federal Court was certainly an eye-opener."
Shine Lawyers' Class Actions Practice Leader Joshua Aylward said Friday was the "first step in what is hoped will be an expedited journey towards justice for the Wreck Bay Community."
"The court set down a timeline for the production of documents and the Commonwealth's defence before relisting it again for June 4.
"The court also made an order for parties to begin discussions with the mediator."