THE long-awaited Public Health Inquiry into odour issues in Ipswich is now in full swing, as inquiry panel Chair John Gerrard moves forward with efforts to address the health and environmental concerns that have plagued residents for over a decade.
Unpleasant smells from the New Chum and Swanbank landfill sites have been affecting the community since 2011, and despite multiple interventions, the situation has only worsened in recent years, prompting the inquiry launched by the State Government.
Dr Gerrard, the former Queensland Chief Health Officer, announced the inquiry’s progress after meeting with concerned residents in Redbank Plains.
Announced last month, the inquiry has faced criticism due to its official title: Public Health Inquiry into Odour Issues at Swanbank Industrial Estate.
Ipswich Residents Against Toxic Emissions (IRATE) spokesman Geoff Yarham voiced concerns that the title may limit the investigation to Swanbank alone, potentially excluding nearby waste operations like New Chum, Redbank Plains and other surrounding regions.
“The inquiry fails to mention waste sites such as Cleanaway, Jackal Resources, Chum St New Chum, Wood Mulching Industries, Sun Mining, and Bogside Mining Industries,” Mr Yarham said.
“This raises the question – will these sites be investigated at all?”
Dr Gerrard responded to these concerns, assuring the public that the inquiry’s scope remains as initially outlined.
“The Government can use whatever recommendations we give for a broader purpose,” he said.
“We toured the Swanbank Industrial Estate on January 30 on our first day of the inquiry.
“We also looked at another composting facility outside of Ipswich for comparison.”
The inquiry will proceed in three phases: stakeholder engagement and information gathering, community consultation, and data analysis.
Dr Gerrard acknowledged the challenge of completing the inquiry by mid-year, given the volume of information being gathered.
“I’m anxious about completing it by mid-year, given the large amount of information we’re receiving,” he said.
“One challenge is that I have no idea how many people will come forward –whether it’s two or 200.
“I do feel that weight of responsibility, but it’s a question of what comes at the end of it.”
As part of the inquiry, Dr Gerrard’s team will consult with residents who have reported health issues related to the odours from the industrial estate.
Individual meetings with affected residents are scheduled for March 3, with expressions of interest closing on February 23.
Residents can register to participate via 13Health or the Queensland Health website.
