PFAS Management

Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) acknowledges and respects the community interest regarding per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at our airports. Together with relevant agencies, including Airservices Australia, the Department of Defence and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, we remain committed to ongoing engagement with regulators and the community. 

Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) refer to a broad group of fluorinated chemicals, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS).

PFAS are manufactured chemicals used in products that resist heat, oil, stains and water. PFAS has been used in Australia and around the world across various industries and consumer products, such as metal plating, non-stick cookware, specialised textiles, stain-resistant treatments for fabrics and furniture, and firefighting foams, including those historically used by Commonwealth Agencies.

While scientific understanding of PFAS and their risks is still developing, research has shown that these chemicals are highly persistent, and some forms can bioaccumulate in humans and the environment.
 

PFAS has been identified at Gold Coast, Townsville and Mount Isa airports as a result of historical use of firefighting foams containing PFAS by federal government agencies, including Airservices Australia and the Department of Defence. Use of PFAS-containing foam has ceased; however legacy impacts remain.

When managing PFAS, we follow the current PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP), which provides a nationally consistent, risk-based approach to addressing PFAS contamination. 

Gold Coast, Townsville and Mount Isa airports are also taking part in the Australian Government’s PFAS Airports Investigation Program, which is investigating the nature and extent of PFAS at civilian airports and developing PFAS management plans to ensure PFAS risks are managed appropriately.

PFAS management is a long-term responsibility and QAL is committed to ongoing monitoring, responsible management and open communication with our stakeholders.

For more information specific to the relevant airport, please visit: 

• PFAS management at Gold Coast Airport
• PFAS management at Townsville Airport
• PFAS management at Mount Isa Airport 

• Australian Government PFAS—Airports Investigation Program
• Airservices Australia National PFAS Management Program
• PFAS National Environmental Management Plan
• Health based guidance values for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances
• Intergovernmental agreement on a national framework for responding to PFAS contamination
• enHealth fact sheet on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 

Media enquiries should be directed to: media@qldairports.com.au