HMAS Stirling (Garden Island)

Latest updates

Important information for communities around HMAS Stirling.

Investigations and findings

In October 2018, Defence completed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in and around HMAS Stirling. The investigations found that exposure risks to people, plants and animals were low.

The investigations found there is no significant impact to the ecology of Garden Island and surrounding environment. Refer to the Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for more information.

Remediation and management

Defence’s management plan for responding to PFAS contamination at HMAS Stirling was informed by the outcomes of the investigations. The management plan did not recommend treating or removing PFAS from the area. This approach reflects the low risk identified during the investigations.

Ongoing monitoring

Monitoring of continues through sampling of surface water, groundwater, sediment and pore water. Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination is changing over time. Results are published in an Ongoing Monitoring Interpretive Report and factsheet. Defence will inform the community if changes to the management approach are required.

Recent factsheets and reports

Detailed reports from the PFAS investigation and management program are available for download. To discuss these reports contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au.

Document archive

The document archive contains links to information that Defence has published since 2016.

This includes:

  • older community presentations,
  • investigation reports,
  • risk assessments and
  • factsheets.

Some archive information has been superseded by the recent reports and factsheets.

Documents Archive - Stirling (PDF, 210.29 KB)

Last review: 28 June 2023