PFAS Investigation Program
The Australian Government has committed $130.5 million over three years for a Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Investigation program at a number of Australian airports where the Commonwealth historically used PFAS containing foam in firefighting activities.
The program will seek to identify any PFAS contamination at airports and then determine the best approach to monitor and manage contamination at affected sites.
The Department has developed a framework for the investigation work. A pilot program to test this framework commenced in March 2022 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Airports participating in the pilot program are: Adelaide / Bankstown / Brisbane / Canberra / Hobart / Launceston / Melbourne / Parafield.
Visit the PFAS website for more information on the chemical that was used in the fire-fighting foam.
The Department provides policy advice to the Australian Government and has responsibility for administering legislation relating to aviation environmental issues and noise policy.
The Department works with portfolio agencies on safety matters, and with state, territory and local government planning agencies to safeguard communities and airports from inappropriate off-airport development that could compromise aviation operations at Australian airports.