Site Investigation
- Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd is the contaminated land specialist leading the Program investigation within the civilian component of Townsville Airport, which is anticipated to be finalised by June 2025.
- The department is working closely with the Department of Defence, who 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 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 is completing a Data Gap Assessment. This includes analysing existing data to determine if sufficient evidence has been collected to confirm any potential PFAS sources in the civilian component of the airport and any off-site migration.
- The Data Gap Assessment is pending review by the department and the contaminated land auditor.
Next steps
- Based on the findings of the Data Gap Assessment, the department and contaminated land auditor will determine if additional investigation is necessary to understand the nature and extent of PFAS impact on the civilian component of the 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 11 November 2024