The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the Department) has been and continues to investigate the source, composition and movement of dust affecting parts of Geraldton.
We understand dust is a significant concern to the Geraldton community and protecting the health, wellbeing and amenity of residents is of paramount concern to the Government of Western Australia.
The investigations have progressed and, following the receipt of sampling and testing results, the Department is now able to provide an update to the community.
Technical experts from the Department have been and continue working in Geraldton as part of the ongoing dust investigation. Key activities have included:
While a key objective of the investigation is to identify the sources and pathways of dust reported across Geraldton, the Department continues to work closely with the Geraldton community to better understand air quality impacts on homes, properties and local neighbourhoods.
The investigation has been designed to establish a detailed evidence base that will support informed regulatory decision-making and help address community concerns.
The Department’s sampling program has regard to important principles, such as scientific sampling design, controls against contamination and preservation of chain-of-custody, which are crucial factors in building a robust evidence base and understanding of environmental conditions.
Given Geraldton’s long industrial history, some test results may reflect legacy contamination or naturally occurring environmental factors rather than current industrial activities. The Department is carefully considering these factors as part of its investigation.
Officers from the Department attended the Port of Geraldton on 30 July 2026 to inspect relevant port operations and review associated handling, containment and monitoring arrangements.
The Department is also engaging with industry stakeholders to identify and implement practical measures to help reduce dust emissions across Geraldton while the investigation continues.
In late July, the Department completed an extensive soil and surface dust sampling program across Geraldton, including residential areas, schools, a hospital, a retirement village, a community garden and port-related industrial areas.
Lead
The Department is aware the community may hold concerns about the potential presence of lead in deposited dust, so ensured lead was specifically included in sampling and testing. The relevant results have now been received by the Department and reviewed by the DoH.
The DoH assessed the results against Australian health-based screening levels. These screening levels are designed to protect human health and take into account the ways people could potentially be exposed to lead, including through dust, soil, and home-grown fruit and vegetables.
Based on its preliminary assessment, the DoH advised:
lead levels in settled dust at all locations tested were below the DoH’s guideline value
lead levels in soil at all locations tested were below the Australian health-based screening levels for residential, recreational and commercial areas.
On the basis of these preliminary findings, the DoH advised no further investigation of potential human health risks is recommended at this time.
Thallium
As a result of the Department’s thorough and widespread sampling across Geraldton, an isolated, low-level detection result for thallium, a type of metal, was found in one sample collected from the sandpit in the Gregory Street playground in Beachlands.
This thallium result was identified only at this location. Samples collected from other playgrounds and locations investigated as part of this work, including the oval adjacent to the Gregory Street playground sandpit, did not identify thallium at concentrations above the laboratory reporting limit.
The Department shared this information with the City of Greater Geraldton (the City), which decided to temporarily close the playground.
On advice from the DoH, the Department completed further testing for thallium, using a more sensitive laboratory test. This included re-testing the sample from the playground, as well as testing other samples gathered throughout Geraldton.
The additional, more sensitive testing did not identify thallium above the reporting limit in any sample, including the original sample from the playground.
The DoH assessed the updated testing results and conducted a risk assessment of the originally detected thallium result from the sandpit. Based on its assessment, the DoH advised the detected concentration did not pose a health risk to children or other users of the playground. The DoH also advised that further testing in relation to thallium is not warranted.
Thallium can be released from some industrial processes, including metals and cement manufacture. While the source of the thallium originally detected in the Gregory Street playground sandpit is unclear, there is currently no information to suggest any ongoing source affecting the playground.
Other ongoing testing
Separate from the completed thallium testing, the Department is continuing to work closely with the DoH and the City on other aspects of its investigations and additional advice will be issued as new information becomes available. Any public health advice will be informed by scientific evidence and expert health assessment.
Black dust investigation
The Department has completed its investigation into the source of black dust deposition in Geraldton, concluding that magnetite dust emitted from certain industrial activities is a contributor to overall dust deposition.
As a result of this investigation, the Department is engaging with Karara Mining Limited and the Mid West Ports Authority in relation to potential licence amendments to deliver improved dust management outcomes.
Other ongoing investigations
Other aspects of the Department’s investigations into potential other dust sources remain ongoing but are nearing completion. Such investigations can take time to ensure evidence is thoroughly assessed, findings are supported by evidence and processes are fair and defensible. Timeframes may also be extended if new information or additional investigative requirements emerge.
While substantial information has been assessed, further technical analysis is needed before conclusions can be reached regarding other dust sources or potential regulatory action.
The Department will provide further updates via this page as information is able to be released.
This page is the most appropriate source for information and updates about the investigation.
Report dust, air quality or a potential pollution incident
If you believe you have identified a potential pollution incident or have an environmental complaint about air quality or dust emissions, please contact Environment Watch:
Health advice
If you believe you are experiencing health impacts related to dust, air pollution or other environmental conditions, please contact:
Emergency situations
If the situation is an emergency, call 000.
