The Australian Government has committed $130.5 million for a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Airports Investigation Program (the Program), at civilian airports where the Commonwealth historically provided firefighting services which used PFAS-containing foams.
The Program aims to determine the nature and extent of PFAS contamination at airports through independently audited whole-of-site testing, and to develop robust management plans to address any identified risks.
Airport participation in the Program is voluntary, with investigations being undertaken in tranches under the main Program, to manage market capacity constraints.
In early 2022, a Pilot Program of eight airports commenced to test a whole-of-site investigative approach and develop a PFAS Investigation Framework to support the delivery of the main Program.
The Pilot Program was completed in June 2023. The main Program has commenced, and is expected to be completed by 30 June 2027.
Which airports are involved in the Program?
A total of 16 airports are currently participating in the Program, with works being delivered in tranches to manage market capacity constraints. The first tranche includes investigations at Canberra, Bankstown, Melbourne, Launceston, Hobart, Adelaide, Parafield and Brisbane airports. The second tranche includes investigations at Archerfield, Camden, Gold Coast, Jandakot, Moorabbin, Mount Isa and Townsville airports.
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You can find information about the investigation at each airport in the links below.
| Tranche 1 | Tranche 2 |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | Archerfield |
| Bankstown | Camden |
| Brisbane | Gold Coast |
| Canberra | Jandakot |
| Hobart | Moorabbin |
| Launceston | Mount Isa |
| Parafield | Townsville |
| Melbourne |