What’s happening?
The Council-run laboratory already held accreditation for testing water and wastewater. Its services now cover soils, biosolids, sediments, sludges and solid waste.
The expansion gives northern councils, industries and researchers greater access to specialised environmental testing within the region.
Mayor Nick Dametto said the milestone strengthened Townsville’s position as a leader in environmental analysis across northern Australia.
Why it matters?
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they can remain in the environment for long periods.
These chemicals have become a growing global health concern, with stronger regulatory scrutiny and increasing community concern.
PFAS and products containing the chemicals are banned across Australia. Regulators, industries and communities must also follow strict environmental monitoring requirements.
Local access to accredited testing means samples no longer need to be sent to southern or interstate laboratories.
“As the only PFAS-accredited local government lab in Australia, the TLS provides our region with high-demand testing without the need to rely on southern and interstate laboratories,” Cr Dametto said.
“With customers ranging from other councils, right through to government departments, environmental consultants and the mining industry, this expansion reflects the expertise and dedication of our scientific team.”
Local Impact
The expanded service will support councils, government departments, environmental consultants and mining companies across northern Australia.
It will also help local organisations receive accredited results closer to where samples are collected and environmental work occurs.
Cr Dametto said the laboratory also provided an important income stream for Townsville City Council.
“It is also a great endorsement of Council’s long-term investment in a state-of-the-art, in-house laboratory capability, which pays dividends each year as a significant income stream for the city,” he said.
“Revenue generated by the TLS is reinvested into Council services, infrastructure and the broader community, meaning everyone benefits from the amazing work our scientists do.”
By the Numbers
- Three decades of growth: Townsville Laboratory Services has developed from modest beginnings into a specialist environmental testing facility.
- One council-run facility: Council said TLS is Australia’s only PFAS-accredited local government laboratory.
- Five additional materials: Testing now covers soils, biosolids, sediments, sludges and solid waste, alongside water and wastewater.
Zoom In
The expansion also gives universities and research institutions better access to accredited testing in northern Australia.
Cr Dametto said the new capability would support further work on the management of environmental contaminants.
“This expanded testing capability also strengthens Council’s collaboration with universities and academic institutions, all of which are working hard and conducting important research towards the effective and sustainable management of these environmental contaminants,” he said.
James Cook University Associate Professor Dr Elsa Antunes has completed extensive research into PFAS management and control methods.
She said access to accredited laboratories was important for producing reliable research and industrial testing results.
“The TLS facility is a vital resource for research – access to NATA-accredited laboratories is increasingly important to ensure the highest standards of analytical quality, accuracy, and reliability for research outcomes,” Dr Antunes said.
“PFAS analysis is particularly complex and requires specialised expertise and accredited methodologies.
“Having this capability available in Townsville represents a significant advancement for both the research community and industry, strengthening regional capacity and enabling faster, high-quality environmental and industrial testing.”
Zoom Out
Concern about PFAS continues to grow because these chemicals can persist across water, soil and other environmental materials.
Testing is complex and requires specialised equipment, experienced scientists and accredited methods to produce reliable results.
Townsville’s expanded service brings this capability closer to northern councils, mining operations, consultants and academic institutions.
It also reduces the region’s reliance on laboratories located in southern Australia.
What To Look For Next?
Demand for PFAS testing may continue to grow as regulators, industries and researchers increase environmental monitoring.
The expanded service could also support more research partnerships between Council, James Cook University and other academic institutions.
Residents and industry representatives can learn more about PFAS testing through the Townsville City Council website.
