Site investigation
- The department initiated per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) investigations on Norfolk Island after a CSIRO-led assessment of water resources identified PFAS in the Mission Creek water catchment in 2019.
- Information on this investigation can be found on the Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances on Norfolk Island webpage.
- In 2026, the PFAS Investigation on Norfolk Island transitioned from the Territories Division to the Department's PFAS Airports Investigation Program.
- Procurement of a contaminated land specialist is currently underway.
- An accredited contaminated land technical advisor from Western Environmental has been engaged by the Department to independently audit the investigation to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, national guidance and best practice.
- The investigation will involve a data gap assessment and review of the current Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment. All works will be undertaken following the PFAS Investigation Framework developed for the PFAS Airports Investigation Program.
- To support the review of key investigation reports and plans, an Investigation Consultation Forum (ICF) will be established. The ICF members will include the department, the contaminated land specialist, the technical advisor, and representatives from the Airport and Norfolk Island Regional Council.
Where is the investigation up to?
- Procurement of a contaminated land specialist is currently underway.
Next steps
- Once contracts are in place, a data gap assessment and HHERA Review will be undertaken following the PFAS Investigation Framework developed for the PFAS Airports Investigation Program.
- This will inform the need for further investigations and/or update of the current draft PFAS management plan.
Additional information
- Further information on the initial PFAS Investigation on Norfolk Island by the department can be found on the Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances on Norfolk Island webpage.
- Answers to other questions on PFAS and the PFAS Airports Investigation Program, can be found on our website at PFAS—your questions answered.
Contact information
- Enquiries can be sent to NorfolkIslandPFAS@infrastructure.gov.au
Last updated 29 April 2026