THE SMELL remains in the air as new legislation was passed by the State Government in response to the odours of the Swanbank facility that have lingered for years throughout the region.
The State Members for Bundamba, Jordan and Ipswich welcomed the passing of the Environmental Protection (Powers and Penalties) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 born out of odour issues in the Swanbank area, but which will apply state-wide and look to force stronger penalties while also serving as better protection for communities.
However, scepticism grows from residents’ group such as Stop the Stink along with local environmental campaigners including Greens spokesperson Dani Mutton and even Mayor Teresa Harding.
“Odour issues in Ipswich are nothing new, they have been impacting residents’ lives for a decade now and for a very long time were not taken seriously,” Mayor Harding said.
“There is a 1.5-kilometre buffer between NuGrow and its nearest residents, and yet these odours can be smelt as far as Eastern Heights and Springfield Lakes.
“All eyes will now be on the State to see how they wield these new powers and what that will mean for the thousands of Ipswich residents who endure waste odours on a daily basis.”
“It remains to be seen how bad waste operators will be ‘held to account’ for their non-compliant activity,” Ipswich Lockyer Greens spokesperson Danielle Mutton said.
“Our Bundamba MP Lance McCallum has failed to explain to community members in the Ipswich region how the new legislation will make a significant difference,” she said.
“Community members have every right to be sceptical. I am deeply concerned that there are loopholes in the new legislation that bad waste operators can literally drive their dump trucks through”.
Local Ipswich News contacted NuGrow, Wood Mulching Industries and Cleanaway for comment, with only the latter responding.
“Cleanaway takes compliance with regulatory requirements relating to the operations facilities very seriously,” Cleanaway head of corporate affairs Mark Biddulph said.
“Protection of the environment and safety are foundations of Cleanaway.”
