Qld maps out contaminated fire foam sites

An "atlas" of places where contaminated firefighting foam may have been stored is being mapped out in Queensland.

The development comes as residents in the Queensland town of Oakey, who drank groundwater contaminated by the foam, are about to learn what's in a report about the health risks they might face.

Environment Minister Steven Miles says the atlas will help the state government get a detailed view of where older and potentially contaminated firefighting foam exists.

"We've engaged across industry, including with ports administration, users and tenants, mining service suppliers, bulk fuel storage facilities, and with relevant government agencies," he said.

Queensland has already banned foam containing pollutants including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Toxic firefighting foam has leached into the ground and water around defence sites across the country, including the Oakey Army Aviation base in Queensland.

The federal government had ultimate responsibility for the contamination at and stemming from defence sites and civilian airports, Dr Miles said.

The defence department has admitted chemicals from firefighting foam used at the Oakey training base contaminated ground and surface water at the site, and up to 4.5km beyond the boundaries of the property.

Residents, including some who unknowingly drank contaminated groundwater, will attend a meeting in the town on Monday night, where defence officials are expected to share the results of the report.