EASTERN suburbs residents and environmental advocates have called on the State Government to release the findings of the Swanbank Public Health Inquiry.
The long-awaited final report into the health impacts of waste odours in Ipswich was handed to the State Government last week.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls declined to reveal any detail on the report and would not even answer questions on the number of public submissions received.
Mr Nicholls said the report had been received and would be considered by Cabinet before the next steps were announced.
Over the past seven years, more than 31,000 complaints have cited odour, dust, and other fallout from waste operations, sparking the inquiry announced by the Crisafulli Government in January.
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the urgency was growing.
“The report can’t sit on the Minister’s desk gathering dust for one moment,” he said.
“It should be released immediately along with what concrete actions will be taken by the Government in relation to recommendations and findings.
“This inquiry will rightly be judged on real outcomes, actions and lasting benefits to our community.”
State Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne said the process had to be open and transparent and was disappointed the concerns of residents from Karalee, North Tivoli and North Ipswich about noxious odours were not considered in the scope of the inquiry.
“It’s a disgrace that the Government is not releasing the outcome of this inquiry. The residents deserve better,” Ms Bourne said.
Locals have reported respiratory issues, migraines, skin rashes, sore eyes and throats, along with fears of long-term health effects.
Stop the Stink spokes-woman Tracey Butler said residents deserved the full truth, regardless of the political cost.
“It needs to be released to us now,” she said.
“Residents, children and workers need to be monitored for health problems – and lifelong care must be given to those still suffering after moving away. This is only fair, because it wasn’t disclosed when they moved or worked in the area.”
Community advocate Michelle Fillipi said residents had waited long enough.
“The report is extremely important to the community,” she said.
“We want answers, public apologies from the companies involved, and financial support for treatments and specialist care.”
Environmental advocate Danielle Mutton criticised the inquiry’s scope, saying large parts of the community had been ignored.
“We were left out. This is about appearances, not meaningful action. No more delays – we need outcomes that help the whole region.”
In 2022-23 alone, Ipswich took in two million tonnes of waste.
