Cairns bitumen spill
Current at 5 October 2025 12:30pm (AEST)
- 10,000L spill of kerosene oil and bitumen into Smiths Creek, Cairns.
- Spill is largely contained and clean up is continuing.
- Boating and fishing advice applies.
- As a precaution, people should not consume seafood captured in the area.
What happened?
On Sunday 28 September, a spill of approximately 10,000 litres of kerosene oil and bitumen occurred into Smiths Creek, Cairns, adjacent to Trinity Inlet.
As Queensland’s environmental regulator, our immediate focus has been to contain and clean the contaminated area. We are taking action to minimise the impacts to wildlife, the environment, local businesses and the public.
We continue to sample water quality and assess the situation. Our investigation will continue in the coming months and will determine what compliance action is necessary.
We’re working closely with Government agencies and stakeholders, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Maritime Safety Queensland, Queensland Health, Department of Primary Industries and Boral.
Given the proximity of this spill to the Great Barrier Reef, our priority is to ensure it does not spread further.
The spill was of a bitumen product that occurred from the Boral asphalt site at Portsmith.
We acknowledge Boral has self-reported this issue and is working collaboratively with authorities on the clean up and response.
The spill source has been stopped. A significant portion of the spill was contained in on-water booms and collected for disposal. The extent of the spill was largely within a section of Smiths Creek along the shoreline rock wall and the mangroves on the eastern side.
The spill material consists of bitumen with a light kerosene solvent, this means that the product weathers to a semi-solid relatively quickly and becomes far less tacky, less mobile and less toxic.
While the spill is highly visible on the mangroves and rock walls, we do not expect significant long term environmental impacts.
The clean-up and monitoring are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
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The spill has been contained in on-water booms.
Environmental impact
At this stage, fish, crabs and other sealife appear to be in usual abundance and moving around without adverse impact.
We are aware that the contaminant has collected on mangroves and rock walls which has hardened in clumps and is no longer mobile. We have engaged expert and scientific advice and considered case studies from other regions, assessed risks and determined best practice is to leave the residue undisturbed.
Mangrove habitats are very sensitive to any disturbance. Expert advice and past experience suggest that large scale contaminant removal is likely to cause disturbance and long-term harm to the mangrove environment.
Both mechanical and chemical removal of contaminants from rock was carefully assessed. However, removal of the now immobile residue from rock walls is both likely to remobilise contaminants into the water column and cause further harm as well as being impracticable from a safety perspective.
Allowing the residues to naturally weather over time has been assessed as the best option to protect the environment.
There has been one reported sighting of a pelican who had contamination in its feathers. We have been and continue to monitor the pelican but have been unable to capture it to provide treatment and care.
No impact is expected to coral reefs.
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Signs of the spill are visible on the nearby rock wall, but we do not expect significant long term environmental impacts.
Health
- While the spill clean-up is under way, Queensland Health advises that seafood from the contaminated area should not be eaten.
- Do not boat through areas where contaminants are visible.
- Do not touch or collect contaminants.
- Anyone who has concerns about seafood, can report the matter to 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
Information for fishers and boaters
Can I take my boat out?
If it is contaminated – no.
If your boat has been impacted, it must be cleaned before it can be used in Trinity Inlet and other unimpacted areas. This is important to ensure that any toxins associated with the material do not spread to other areas.
If it is clean, yes.
All boat ramps in the area are open for use.
While no further materials are spilling and on-water inspections are showing the area to be mostly clear, it is possible some small areas of contaminants may be observed. Boaties are asked to keep a lookout and ensure their vessels stay clear of any areas of contaminant they observe.
If you observe contaminants in the area report it to our Pollution Hotline.
How do I know if my boat is considered clean or safe to go out?
We have compiled a vessel cleaning protocol and decision tree to support you.
You can also seek advice about how to clean your boat and how to dispose of the contaminants by emailing Boral at community@boral.com.au.
Information for local businesses
We acknowledge users of water in the area may have concerns and we are working with relevant businesses. While we don’t anticipate significant impacts, if you have concerns contact our Pollution Hotline.
More information
If you have health concerns contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
If you observe small areas of contaminants in the area or injured wildlife report it to our Pollution Hotline.
If your boat has been impacted by the spill and requires cleaning, contact Boral by emailing community@boral.com.au advice and support.
If you have waste related to the spill, you can take it to the Fearnley Street waste collection point (right next to the boat ramp). Opening hours are 8am–5pm and it is open every day.
For general enquiries about the spill contact our Pollution Hotline.