Latest updates
Important information for communities around Wide Bay Training Area.
- 2023 Ongoing Monitoring Report Factsheet (PDF, 1.41 MB)
- 2023 Ongoing Monitoring Report (PDF, 29.95 MB)
Investigations and findings
In September 2020, Defence completed detailed investigations into per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination on and around Wide Bay Training Area. The investigations found that exposure risks to people, plants and animals were low.
Remediation and management
Defence’s PFAS management plan for the Wide Bay Training Area was informed by the outcomes of the investigations and reflects the low risk identified.
The PFAS management plan recommended that monitoring of PFAS should continue. Treating or removing PFAS from the area was not recommended.
Ongoing monitoring
Monitoring of PFAS continues on and around Wide Bay Training Area through sampling of surface water, groundwater and sediment. Monitoring helps Defence understand if PFAS contamination is changing over time.
Following an update to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines in June 2025, Defence undertook additional soil, surface water and groundwater sampling to update our understanding of how PFAS are moving in and around the Camp Kerr area.
Defence will inform the community of the results and any changes to the management approach.
Recent reports and factsheets
Detailed reports from the PFAS Investigation and Management Program are available to download. To discuss these reports contact pfas.enquiry@defence.gov.au
Document archive
The Wide Bay Training Area document archive contains information that Defence has published about the management of PFAS, including older community presentations, investigation reports, risk assessments and factsheets.
Some archive information has been superseded by the recent reports and factsheets.
Documents Archive - Wide Bay (PDF, 265.12 KB)
Last review: 1 September 20206