Toxic test process worries residents

SOUTHERN Gold Coast residents are calling for a more transparent testing process when it comes to the toxic contamination originating at the Gold Coast Airport.

Friends of Currumbin secretary Gloria Baker said residents were frustrated about the lack of information forthcoming on the perfluoroctanesulfonic acid (PFAS) found at the airport last year.

The chemical has been linked to major health problems in Oakey, west of Toowoomba.

The contamination is believed to have spread from the Gold Coast Airport area, where PFAS was found in firefighting foam used for decades.

Gold Coast City Council yesterday erected no swimming and fishing signs after higher than normal levels of PFAS were found at the Coolangatta Creek outlet on Kirra Beach.

AirServices Australia are also preparing to release the results of testing completed on private bores on Adina Ave.

Ms Baker said it was hoped a clear plan was revealed when the test results were made public. “Everything that has been revealed has had to be pushed for,” she said.

Ms Baker said community groups would meet to assess their options when the results were released .

An AirServices Australia spokeswoman stressed the amount of chemicals found in the test done by the Gold Coast City Council were low.

“The council’s actions are a matter for the council, but its recommendation for no direct water contact for recreational activities does not appear consistent with its characterisation of the results as very low and not of concern, nor does the recommendation reflect the health-based guidance values,” she said.

The spokeswoman said tests had been conducted in places around the airport and results were consistent with those recorded by the council.