Ipswich waterways

The Queensland Government and the Department of Defence have investigated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination of waterways in the Ipswich area. The areas investigated include the Bremer River, Warrill Creek adjacent to RAAF Base Amberley, Swanbank Lake, Bundamba Creek and Oaky Creek.

PFAS was detected in some fish caught in these waterways. The summary maps below show the results of fish and water quality testing undertaken by the Queensland Government between September 2018 and March 2019:

• Finfish sampling – Bundamba Creek and Bremer River (PFOS+PFHxS) (PDF, 2 MB)
• Water sampling – Bundamba Creek and Bremer (PFOS+PFHxS) (PDF, 1.4 MB)

Fish consumption

People are advised to not consume fish caught from the following areas:

• Bremer River in areas adjacent to RAAF Base Amberley and downstream to Cribb Park, Ipswich
• Warrill Creek adjacent to RAAF Base Amberley
• Swanbank Lake and Oaky Creek
• Bundamba Creek downstream of the Centenary Highway

This is based on advice provided by Queensland Health following review of test results for fish caught during the investigations.

Signs have been installed in these areas advising the public not to consume fish caught in these locations.

In these signed areas, fishing can be undertaken on a catch-and-release basis, noting that if tilapia are caught they should be humanely killed and disposed as they are a restricted noxious fish species. Tilapia must not be kept, fed, given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit. See further information about legal requirements on pest fish.

Please note:

• Infrequent consumption (less than once per month) of a meal of seafood from these areas would not make a significant contribution to an individual’s overall lifetime exposure to PFAS.
• The average concentrations of PFAS detected in fish caught in the lower reaches of the Bremer River were lower than that detected upstream in the signed catch and release areas.
• Queensland Health advises fish is an important part of a healthy diet and that it is safe to consume fish caught from parts of the Bremer River downstream of Cribb Park, provided consumption is limited to two to three serves of fish per week obtained from different sources. A serve is 75 grams for children up to six years and 150 grams for the rest of the population.

Recreational waterway use

Concentrations of PFAS in surface water fluctuate with rainfall, runoff and flow conditions, and it is not always possible to be certain of the concentration of PFAS at any given time.

There are potential public health concerns associated with recreational contact with inland waterways in general, including microbial contamination, agricultural chemical run-off and toxic algal blooms.

People should exercise caution when swimming or boating in inland waters. Cuts and abrasions should be covered with waterproof dressings before entering the water. People should try not to swallow water during recreation and shower as soon as possible after getting out of the water.

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 investigations undertaken at RAAF Base Amberley, please see the Department of Defence website.