Site Investigation
- Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (with Senversa) is the contaminated land specialist leading the Program investigation within the civilian component of Townsville Airport, which is anticipated to be finalised by late 2025.
- The department is working closely with the Department of Defence, which has conducted an investigation to assess the nature and extent of PFAS at the RAAF Base in Townsville, including the joint user area which adjoins the civilian component of Townsville Airport.
- An accredited contaminated land auditor, Environmental Earth Sciences International Group, has been engaged by the department to independently audit the investigation to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, national guidance and best practice.
- Airport participation in the Program is voluntary. Townsville Airport signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the department to join the Program on 11 July 2023.
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Where is the Investigation up to?
- The department and Aurecon are working collaboratively with the Department of Defence to avoid duplication and gaps between the respective investigations.
- Aurecon has completed a Data Gap Assessment that included analysing existing data.
- The Data Gap Assessment has been reviewed by the department and the contaminated land auditor.
- Based on the findings of the Data Gap Assessment, a Sampling Analysis and Quality Plan (SAQP) has been prepared.
Next steps
- Sampling will be conducted across the Townsville Airport site in mid 2025.
- Following SAQP fieldworks, a targeted Preliminary Site Investigation will be developed to determine if any additional investigation is necessary.
- Investigations will inform the development of a PFAS Management Plan for Townsville Airport that will document the approach to managing any risks associated with PFAS contamination at the civilian component of Townsville Airport.
Additional information
- Answers to other questions on PFAS and the PFAS Airports Investigation Program can be found on our website here: PFAS—your questions answered.
Contact information
- For additional information, you can contact the department directly at: TownsvillePFAS@infrastructure.gov.au.
Last updated 26 May 2025.