RESIDENTS and community groups are strongly opposing multiple waste operators, including the proposed Candy Soils composting facility development in Ebenezer, citing environmental and health risks.
With waste management already under scrutiny in Ipswich and a Public Health Inquiry underway, locals fear the new facility will exacerbate existing issues.
A review of Candy Soils’ odour report has raised concerns, with residents pointing to alleged inconsistencies, missing data and questionable compliance.
The facility plans to process up to 1200 tonnes of waste daily, with a storage capacity of 25,200 tonnes, which locals believe is excessive.
“The odour from the Tivoli site has been unbearable at times,” said a spokesperson for Ipswich Residents Against Toxic Emissions (IRATE), expressing frustration over the lack of concrete solutions.
“We don’t want the same issues at Ebenezer, especially on a much larger scale,” the spokesperson said.
“Given Ipswich’s long history of complaints about waste facilities, this development should only proceed if it can be proven to have no negative effects.”
The odour report only offers “Probable Solutions”, rather than concrete plans, leaving residents frustrated.
Residents are urging Ipswich City Council to delay approval until all regulatory requirements are met.
“We cannot allow this facility to move forward without proper safeguards,” the IRATE spokesperson said.
Wood Mulching Industries (WMI) has also come under scrutiny after ceasing acceptance of highly odorous liquid waste following an inspection in January.
“The decision to stop accepting these types of odorous waste is a business decision made by WMI,” a spokesperson for the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation said.
However, residents are calling for formal confirmation and stronger enforcement, warning that WMI could resume these operations without regulatory action.
Meanwhile, Public Health Inquiry Chair Dr John Gerrard told Local Ipswich News that the inquiry into the Swanbank Industrial Estate was making steady progress.
“To date, the panel has spoken with state and local government agencies, industry, community stakeholders, and individual community members,” Dr Gerrard said.
“I have spent time in shopping centres close to the estate, namely in Redbank Plains and Ripley.
“This was an extremely valuable and informative experience.
Dr Gerrard said he would be meeting with individuals with health concerns in one-on-one private appointments next week, with submissions closing on March 31.
