PFAS site investigations
Firefighting foam containing Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) were used widely in firefighting and firefighting training from the 1970s to the mid-2000s. Use of these foams has led to significant contamination at multiple sites across Australia, in particular civil airports, defence bases, large fuel storage terminals, refineries and ports. Find out more about PFAS.
In response, the Queensland government formed the PFAS Interdepartmental Committee (PFAS IDC) to provide a coordinated response to PFAS contamination incidents in Queensland. The PFAS IDC is made up of representatives from key Queensland government departments and develops policy, and provides advice and oversight of numerous PFAS investigations across Queensland.
Currently there are several state-wide PFAS investigations being monitored by the PFAS IDC across Queensland, these investigations are being led by the following organisations:
Airservices Australia
Airservices Australia, a Commonwealth organisation, is undertaking site investigations at a number of Queensland airports including Cairns, Mackay, Townsville, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Information on Airservices investigations may be found on the Airservices Australia website.
The Queensland Government has published information regarding areas adjacent to the following Airservices Australia site(s):
- Gold Coast Airport – information sheet .
- Mackay Airport – A pollution notice has been issued by Queensland health for Shellgrit Creek.
Anyone concerned about their health should talk to their doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). Information about bore construction and water safety is available on the Business Queensland website.
For further information regarding Airservices Australia’s investigations email pfascomms@airservicesaustralia.com
Callide Power Station, Biloela
CS Energy is conducting an investigation into the potential environmental impact of historical use of PFAS at Callide Power Station. Callide's use of PFAS was for training, testing and emergency response purposes and they removed firefighting foams containing PFAS in 2019 as part of the Queensland Government firefighting foam policy.
For detailed information and advice regarding the PFAS investigations at the Callide power station in Biloela please visit the Callide website.
Defence Australia
The Department of Defence is undertaking a national program to review, investigate and implement a comprehensive approach to managing the impacts of PFAS on, and in the vicinity of, some of its sites around Australia.
Information on investigations into contamination at Department of Defence sites may be found on the Department of Defence website.
For further information regarding these sites please contact: 1800 333 362 or email pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au. Anyone concerned about their health should talk to their doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES)
QFES have been conducting PFAS investigations at a number of their sites across Queensland since 2016. These investigations are being completed to better inform the understanding of potential risks to the environment and human health from the historical use of PFAS firefighting foams at QFES fire stations and training facilities.
Further information regarding these sites can be found on QFES website.
Ayr – Town water supply bores:
As part of environmental investigation works at the QFES Ayr fire station, elevated concentrations of PFAS were detected in groundwater beneath the site and surrounding off-site areas.
Burdekin Shire Council also confirmed that PFAS have been detected in some of Ayr’s water supply bores and ceased sourcing water from the affected bores to manage water supply to comply with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The Council moved immediately to implement management measures and establish new bores for the town’s water supply. Burdekin Shire Council have confirmed that the reticulated water supply to the town has remained below the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
For further information please contact Burdekin Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800. Anyone concerned about their own health or that of family members should talk to their GP or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Queensland Ports
The following ports have notified the Queensland Government that elevated PFAS levels have been detected on site, requiring further monitoring or investigation. For more information, visit the individual port website links below (and search ‘PFAS’ from the home page):
Queensland Government-issued health advice:
- Ipswich: Ipswich waterways
- Mackay: Mackay Airport
- Port of Gladstone: Ship Creek
- Bundaberg: Svensson Heights
- Toowoomba: Gowrie Creek
- Townsville: Lakes in Idalia
General PFAS concerns and contacts
For any enquiries regarding PFAS in your local area the following agencies may be contacted:
- Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
- Local authority for the area of concern
- Queensland Department of Health, 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Anyone concerned about their own health or that of family members should talk to their GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). Department of Health have prepared a fact sheet on PFAS.