Sustainability

Townsville Airport is committed to advancing sustainability across the business, guided by Queensland Airports Limited’s (QAL) overarching vision to inspire a sustainable future. As part of the QAL group, we’re focused on delivering long-term, sustainable outcomes for our customers, partners and the communities in which we operate. These initiatives form part of a broader sustainability strategy designed to ensure Townsville Airport continues to grow responsibly while contributing to a more sustainable future for the region. 

A wetland ecosystem with grassy islands and water bodies under a partly cloudy sky, illustrating natural habitat diversity and landscape conservation.

On this page

Biodiversity & Heritage

Townsville Airport sits on a site that includes a mix of developed infrastructure and undeveloped land. To the north-east of the terminal, there’s an area of open land that holds local ecological value. While relatively small and not formally classified as environmentally significant, the land, which was previously used as a landfill, today includes patches of native vegetation and wetland that provide habitat for local wildlife. We acknowledge its role in supporting the broader ecosystem and manage it with care as part of our Biodiversity Action Plan. 

Our Commitment to Net Zero

Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) is committed to achieving Net Zero for Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. Townsville Airport, which is owned and operated by QAL, will play an important role in achieving QAL’s Net Zero ambitions. 

Net Zero Implementation Plan

The Net Zero Implementation Plan lays out a clear roadmap, across six key workstreams to enable a reduction in emissions across all areas of the business.

Some examples of how we’re taking action include:

  • Procuring renewable energy to power our operations sustainably
  • Improving energy efficiency of our equipment
  • Developing an electrification strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels 

In 2024, QAL signed a power purchasing agreement with Queensland company CS Energy – ensuring the energy required to run Townsville Airport’s operations (Scope 2 emissions) is sourced solely from Queensland renewable energy assets from 1 January 2025.

We’re committed to the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program and are currently accredited Level 2 Reduction.

The ACA is the leading decarbonisation framework for airports globally. Within the program, airports must measure and monitor their carbon footprint each year, as well as implement plans for emission reductions.

We’re driven by our aspiration to inspire a sustainable future, ensuring Townsville Airport grows responsibly while protecting our environment for generations to come. 

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.