What is PFAS?
- PFAS stands for per and poly fluoroalkyl substances, which are manufactured chemicals used in products that resist heat, oil, stains and water.
- In the past, firefighting foams containing PFAS were used by Airservices Australia and other organisations due to their effectiveness in fighting liquid fuel fires.
- Airservices began transitioning away from PFAS-containing foams in the early 2000s after becoming aware of potential environment impacts.
- Airservices has been using PFAS-free foam at Mackay Airport since 2010. Airservices is a Federal Government agency and PFAS remediation is their responsibility.
How does PFAS affect Mackay Airport?
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As with many airports around Australia, traces of PFAS have been detected by Airservices Australia on and adjacent to Mackay Airport, including in fish and crustaceans sampled in Shellgrit Creek.
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Signage was erected by Queensland Health at Shellgrit Creek after PFAS was discovered in fish in 2019. The signage warns anglers not to eat fish from Shellgrit Creek due to the elevated levels of PFAS.
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Airservices is due to finalise a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) and a Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA) in 2025. Drafts of the reports were provided to Mackay Airport and the regulator late in 2024. Mackay Airport has engaged a third-party specialist to review the draft reports.
View Airservices' National PFAS Mangement Program Process here.
How is Mackay Airport managing PFAS?
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Mackay Airport manages PFAS in accordance with the National Environmental Management Plan and follows guidelines from the Department of Environment and Science (DES), including for construction and development activities.
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We conduct regular PFAS sampling as part of our internal General Environmental Monitoring, and internal baseline contamination assessments are conducted prior to any development or lease renewal.
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Mackay Airport is committed to transparent communication, guided by information provided by Airservices and Queensland Health.
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In August 2024, the Federal Government established a Select Committee on PFAS to enquire into the extent, regulation and management of PFAS. We have called on the Select Committee to support expedited and coordinated government action to remedy PFAS effects caused by Airservices Australia.
For more information (Source: Airservices)
- Airservices reports for Mackay Airport are available here.
- Visit pfas.gov.au find out more about the Australian Government’s approach to PFAS
- Australian Government Department of Health
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has developed the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan
- Information about PFAS in Queensland is available from the Queensland Government
