Townsville – Lakes in Idalia
Current and ongoing advice
As at September 2024: People are advised to not consume fish caught from lakes in the suburb of Idalia in Townsville as a precaution following testing for PFAS.
See below for further information.
The public is advised not to consume fish caught from lakes in the suburb of Idalia in Townsville as a precaution following testing for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
In February 2019, fish sampling was undertaken in the area as part of the Department of Defence’s Lavarack Barracks environmental investigation.
The Department of Defence’s sampling results identified two PFAS (PFOS and PFHxS) above the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) investigation trigger levels in fish caught from some of the lakes in Idalia.
The following precautionary advice should be followed:
- continue to observe existing signage near Northview Lake, Freshwater Lake and Fairfield Lake advising against recreational fishing in the lakes
- do not consume fish from any lakes in Idalia
- do not consume fish caught from ponded sections of Gordon Creek within Idalia.
Queensland Health advises that infrequent consumption (less than once per month) of a meal of seafood from the area would not make a significant contribution to an individual’s overall exposure to PFAS. Therefore, if you have occasionally consumed fish from the area in the past, you should not be concerned for your health.
Further information
Members of the public concerned about their health should see their local doctor or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
More information about the Department of Defence’s Lavarack Barracks Environmental Investigation is available.