Site investigation
- Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (with Senversa) is the contaminated land specialist leading the Program investigation within the civilian component of Townsville Airport.
- The Program investigation at Townsville Airport commenced in March 2024 and is expected to be finalised in early 2026.
- 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 from 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.
Image
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.
- Based on the findings of the Data Gap Assessment, a Sampling Analysis and Quality Plan (SAQP) has been finalised, and sampling was conducted across the Townsville Airport in August 2025.
- A targeted Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) will be finalised following the wet season.
- The PSI will determine if any additional investigation is necessary.
Next steps
- Investigations will inform the development of a PFAS Management Plan for Townsville Airport that will outline the recommended management options to address any identified elevated risk of exposure to PFAS to human health and/or the environment.
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 11 December 2025.