Environmental Management

Launceston Airport (APAL) takes caring for the environment seriously. To support this, we use a detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that guides how we protect the environment at the airport.

This plan helps us:

• Spot environmental risks: We look for anything in airport operations that could harm air, water, land, or local wildlife.
• Set out solutions: We explain what steps we’ll take to prevent or lessen these risks.

Integrating environmental responsibilities across operations

For the EMP to work well, everyone at the airport needs to follow its rules and include them in their own work. This way, we can all help protect the environment together.

Here’s how different groups are expected to use the EMP:

• APAL Contractor EMPs: Contractors hired by Launceston Airport must create their own EMPs for each project that align with and support the main airport EMP.
• Tenant Operational Environmental Management Plans (OEMPs): Businesses leasing space at the airport must make their own plans to show how they will meet the airport’s environmental standards.
• Third-Party Contractor EMPs: Any outside contractors working at the airport also need to make EMPs that match the airport’s requirements.

Guidance for external parties

Launceston Airport’s main EMP acts as a helpful guide for anyone making their own management plans. While the EMP gives a solid structure, all outside groups should also think carefully about the specific environmental risks of their projects. Working together like this makes sure that protecting the environment is built into everything we do at Launceston Airport, helping create a more sustainable future for our community and nature.

Launceston Airport: Growing responsibly for Tasmania's future

As more people move to and visit Greater Launceston and Tasmania, there will be a greater need for air travel. To keep up, Launceston Airport is committed to developing in a smart and sustainable way. We want to make sure our airport and roads can support more passengers and flights, but without harming the environment or the community.

Our Master Plan covers the subjects set out in Section 71 of the Airports Act and explains our goals for growth, how we plan to use our space, and how we will manage our impact on the environment.

Protecting our environment: Today and tomorrow

We understand that our actions today affect the environment in the future, so our Environmental Management Strategy is important. Launceston Airport understands we have a big responsibility to all Tasmanians to limit the impact of our operations on the environment as much as possible.

This strategy in our Master Plan clearly outlines the main environmental challenges we face and how we plan to tackle them. It gives you a clear picture of:

• Our environmental management systems and processes
• Our environmental policies
• How we monitor our impact
• Our training procedures

It also sets environmental goals for all businesses, tenants, and retailers at the airport.

Key environmental focus areas

Some of the important topics we're focusing on include:

• Climate change
• Water usage
• Waste and recycling
• Air quality
• Protecting our local plants and animals (biodiversity and conservation)
• Preserving cultural heritage

As more people use the airport and it grows, we know it’s important to protect the environment. Our Environment Strategy will guide our work, making sure future growth doesn’t harm nature or the area’s cultural heritage.

PFAS contamination has been found at the airport. In the past, airports used firefighting foam called AFFF, which contains PFAS, during emergencies and training for fuel fires.

Launceston Airport is working together with major tenants and the government to find out how much contamination there is and how best to manage it.

What are PFAS?

Per- and poly- fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemicals which are found in soils, surface water and groundwater.

For more information about PFAS visit:

• • Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer Media Release - advice from the Expert Health Panel for PFAS
  • Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
  • enHealth fact sheet on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
  • Australian Government PFAS
  • PFAS National Environmental Management Plan 2.0 - DCCEEW
  • EPA Tasmania: PFAS Contamination
  • National PFAS Management Program - Airservice

Launceston Airport continues to engage with cultural heritage consultants to ensure preservation and conservation of First Nations and colonial heritage artefacts.

Recent archaeological work by Southern Archaeology at Launceston Airport found it to be important for both Aboriginal and European history. Experts discovered many artefacts along the airport’s fence lines and ridges, showing long-term use by First Nations people.

To the north of the plipatumila (South Esk River) at Flinty Creek, an Aboriginal quarry was found, and at Native Point, over 200 artefacts were recorded. There were also artefacts along the road at Perth and some items from early European contact.

Launceston Airport continues to work with heritage consultants to help protect and conserve both First Nations and colonial history on the site.

First Nations Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

• We respectfully acknowledge the Palawa people of the land on which our airport operates.
• We’re proud to support reconciliation through our APAC Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which celebrates and promotes the rich traditions, laws, and customs of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• This commitment is at the heart of how we build meaningful relationships, respect, and trust with First Nations communities. It’s also our way of formally recognizing and working with the Palawa people of Lutruwita/Tasmania.
• You can read more about our Reconciliation Action Plan here.
• At Launceston Airport, we’re dedicated to the ongoing journey of reconciliation and gaining a deeper understanding of the Indigenous heritage of the land we’re privileged to operate on.