policy
Queensland Health PFAS Advice Bars Seafood from Coolangatta Creek Near Gold Coast Airport
Gold Coast residents who fish or collect seafood from Coolangatta Creek and connected stormwater drains must stop consumption immediately under the current health guidance.
How we reported this
Queensland Health has advised Gold Coast residents against eating fish or other seafood caught from Coolangatta Creek and the stormwater system near Gold Coast Airport. The restriction covers publicly accessible sections including the outlet onto Kirra Beach, the lagoon behind Kirra Beach Tourist Park, the canal beside Southern Cross University, the stretch between Boyd Street and Tugun Dog Park, and the section parallel to Winston Street between Musgrave and Haig Streets in Coolangatta.
Investigation timeline and sampling results
Airservices Australia is completing a Detailed Site Investigation into PFAS contamination from historic firefighting foam use at leased airport areas. Fish, crustacean and mollusc samples taken in 2024 showed elevated PFAS levels, prompting the state health advice before the full report is published later in 2025. Surface water tests met national recreational guidelines, yet swimming or wading remains discouraged in the creek and drains because of possible microbial contaminants.
The ocean at Kirra Beach and North Kirra Beach is unaffected by the seafood restriction. Residents who have eaten fish from the listed creek sections only every few months or less face no significant health risk according to the assessment.
Impact on daily routines and local services
Families who rely on local waterways for occasional catches now need alternative locations or purchased seafood. People concerned about prior consumption can contact their doctor or call 13 HEALTH. Bore water users near Golden Four Drive should continue testing before any domestic use, following earlier 2017 groundwater checks that found some sites above drinking guidelines.
Further monitoring will continue in coordination with Airservices Australia and the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. Residents can email [email protected] or visit the Airservices Australia engagement page for updates on the investigation.