Environmental Management

Townsville Airport is committed to environmental responsibility and operates in line with key Commonwealth legislation. This page provides access to relevant environmental documents, including regulatory information.

An Alliance Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80 series aircraft on the Townsville runway during sunrise or sunset, with rear-mounted engines and a T-tail, set against a mountainous backdrop.

On this page

Airport Environmental Legislation

Townsville Airport primarily operates under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996, Airports (Environmental Protection) Regulations 1997 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 which are administered by Commonwealth government.

Townsville Airport is a joint user airport, comprised of three areas: the Military Area, Civil Area and Joint User Area. The Department of Defence (DoD) controls the Joint User Area and the Military Area, which is operated as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base. TAPL obtained a lease over the Civil Area in 1998 for 50 years with an option for a further 49 years. 

Townsville Airport Environment Strategy

The Townsville Airport Environment Strategy (AES) provides the framework for the environmental management of Townsville Airport for the initial eight-year planning period (2023 to 2031) of the Townsville Airport Master Plan 2023. The AES is the fifth environment strategy prepared for the Civil Area since Townsville Airport was leased from the Commonwealth Government in 1998. It identifies how Townsville Airport Pty Ltd will meet its environmental obligations under the Airports Act 1996 (the Act) and describes the environmental responsibilities of Airport operators.

Townsville Airport’s Environment Strategy is detailed under section 5.5 Environment, on page 104 of the Townsville Airport Master Plan 2023. 

Incident Management

Townsville Airport takes a proactive approach to managing and minimising the occurrence of environmental incidents. The following is a guide for incidence response:

Implement your organisation's environmental incident response procedure which is generally included in the Operational Environmental Management Plan or Construction Environmental Management Plan.

Consider any changes to safety risks as a result of the incident.

For spills, attempt to cease discharge (i.e. turn off taps).

Contact the Airport Reporting Officer on 0418 771 999 for airside incidents and the airport management centre on 07 4727 3211 for landslide incidents.

Contain spill to prevent contaminated material entering the stormwater system.

Implement clean up measures in consultation with Townsville Airport's Environment Officer.

Report details of the incident to the Townsville Airport Environment Officer using the Townsville Airport Incident Form or an equivalent form.

Undertake investigations as required to understand the cause of the incident and identify control measures to minimise the likelihood of re-occurrence.

aboriginal-flag Acknowledgement of Country

Townsville Airport acknowledges the Wulgurukaba people as Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate. We also acknowledge the neighbouring Bindal, Manbarra, Gudjal, Gugu Badhun, Nywaigi and Warrgamay peoples.

We pay respect to their Elders past, present and future and value the traditions, cultures and aspirations of First Australians. We recognise their continued connection to the lands, seas and skies upon which Townsville Airport operates.