An investigation into the chemical contamination of a popular Mackay fishing spot is ramping up, but frustration is growing among local fishers who want answers.
Anglers have abandoned Shellgrit Creek near the Mackay Airport, after PFAS chemicals were found in 2019.
Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance president John Bennett said locals were frustrated at how long investigations had dragged out.
"What I'm hearing and seeing is anglers have come to terms with it and some are fishing in other areas," Mr Bennett said.
"Others are waiting for the results of the report or the findings to come out to see what the future holds."
Origin to be investigated
An independent auditor has now been appointed to investigate just how PFAS chemicals made their way into the creek.
The chemical was historically used in firefighting foam, a link that an Airservices Australia spokesperson said investigators would look into.
"Airservices has recently engaged a contractor to undertake the detailed site investigation into Airservices' historic use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) in aviation rescue firefighting at Mackay Airport," the spokesperson said.
"Initial work has now commenced, and the investigation is expected to take around 18 months."
A Department of Environment and Science (DES) spokesperson said they were liaising with Airservices to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter.
"Airservices has advised the department that it will carry out further investigations near the airport to verify the extent of contamination and any potential human health or ecological risks from its operations," the spokesperson said.
"In December 2020, Airservices advised DES that consultants and an independent auditor had been appointed to undertake a detailed site investigation at Mackay Airport."
Concerns about nearby waterways
Mr Bennett said it could be too little too late for anglers who used to fish in the creek.
"I think when things drag out people get a bit frustrated, but in the meantime people need to fish further afield and take the advice of what the authorities are saying by not eating the fish in Shellgrit Creek," he said.
"I think what people are more concerned about are on flows on to Far Beach and Bakers Creek and those sort of places.
"That's what the recreational fishers of the area are interested to find out."
A health warning for people not to eat fish caught in Shellgrit Creek remains active.
