Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at Mackay Airport

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 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.

As with many airports around Australia, traces of PFAS have been detected in sites on and adjacent to Mackay Airport, including in fish sampled in Shellgrit Creek.

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.

Airservices continues to conduct site investigations at Mackay Airport, including sampling of soil, groundwater and surface water. Airservices is due to complete a detailed site investigation in 2024.

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.
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.
Mackay Airport is committed to transparent communication, guided by information provided by Airservices and Queensland Health.
We have asked Airservices to complete their PFAS investigations at Mackay Airport and promptly address relevant findings.
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.

- 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