Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport

Airservices Australia, a Commonwealth organisation, is conducting a Detailed Site Investigation into the extent of contamination caused by the historic use of firefighting foam containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at areas Airservices Australia leased and operated on at the Gold Coast Airport. This investigation is expected to be completed in 2025. As part of this investigation fish, crustaceans and molluscs were sampled in areas adjacent to Gold Coast Airport in 2024 and the sampling test results were shared with the Queensland Government to review and assess potential health risks in advance of publication of the Detailed Site Investigation by Airservices Australia.

Queensland Health advises the public not to consume fish and seafood caught from Coolangatta Creek and the stormwater system near Gold Coast Airport as a precaution following testing for PFAS.

PFAS was detected in fish and water from the creek during an Airservices Australia PFAS investigation in 2024.

The test results showed elevated levels of PFAS and consequently, possible health risks for people who eat fish caught from this area frequently over a long period of time. There is no significant health risk for people who have infrequently eaten fish (every few months or less) from this creek. Areas of the creek covered by this advice are shown in this map of the area.

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Test results of surface water showed levels of PFAS complied with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s guideline values for recreational water use in Coolangatta Creek and the stormwater system near the Gold Coast Airport, the stormwater outlet onto the beach, and the stormwater discharge near the shoreline at Kirra Beach. However, swimming and wading is not recommended in these areas of Coolangatta Creek and the stormwater system, and where the stormwater drains onto Kirra Beach. This is because the water may contain other pollutants, like microbial contaminants, that make it unsuitable for these activities. This recommendation does not apply to the ocean at Kirra Beach and North Kirra Beach.

Further information

• Members of the public concerned about their health should see their local doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
• For further information regarding Airservices Australia’s investigations email pfascomms@airservicesaustralia.com or visit Airservices Australia.
• PFAS Factsheet – Coolangatta Creek near Gold Coast Airport.

Environmental monitoring and assessment

The Queensland Government completed initial preliminary testing of groundwater in the vicinity of Golden Four Drive near the Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport in 2017.

The sampling was carried out following a report by a member of the public indicating that PFAS may be present in groundwater at that location.

While Airservices Australia is conducting an investigation into the extent of contamination caused by the historic use of PFAS firefighting foam at the Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport, the government commenced this sampling after confirming that the location reported is beyond the area covered by the current Airservices investigation.

The results of the preliminary tests suggest that two of the locations tested recorded PFAS levels that are above the national drinking water guidelines, but below the recreational water use guidelines.

Residents are reminded that bore water in urban environments can carry any number of contaminants and should not be used for recreation or consumption unless it has been tested and known to be completely safe.

The Queensland Government will continue working with Airservices Australia and the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to determine what further action is needed.

Further information for residents adjacent to Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport:

• Bore water safety advice is available at the Business Queensland website
• Environmental monitoring and assessment fact sheet (PDF, 247.6 KB)