A processing facility in North Ipswich has been ordered to clean up its act after a flood of odour complaints from residents across surrounding suburbs.
Canerase Pty Ltd, operator of the Candy Soil composting facility in Tivoli, was issued an Environmental Enforcement Order (EEO) on July 3 by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
The action follows alleged breaches of Queensland’s Environmental Protection Act 1994, specifically Section 319, which requires companies to prevent environmental harm.
Under the EEO, Candy Soil must hire an independent expert to assess its odour management systems, particularly relating to stormwater and leachate. A report is due by September 8, with all recommended changes to be completed by October 24.
“While the facility can continue operating, the EEO requires urgent improvements,” a department spokesperson said.
“Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to $5.2 million.”
Inspections late last year revealed strong, foul smells near composting areas and containment dams. Officers found existing aerators were not running consistently.
From October to December 2024, the department received 39 odour complaints from residents in Tivoli, North Tivoli, Karalee, Chuwar and Barellan Point.
Among those affected is North Ipswich resident Dani Mutton, who has repeatedly reported the smell.
“It’s been awful since last November,” she said. “It’s putrid. We can’t enjoy our backyards, and we have to shut all the windows.”
Ms Mutton also raised concerns that the Health Minister’s ongoing odour inquiry had excluded key suburbs like North Ipswich and Tivoli from its scope.
While Candy Soil has attempted to address the issue by repositioning aerators and applying chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and lime, the department said these efforts were reactive, not preventative.
The EEO requires the company to take immediate and practical steps to control odour and develop a long-term plan to monitor and reduce emissions.
Candy Soil was contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.
Meanwhile, in Ipswich’s eastern suburbs, Cleanaway’s New Chum landfill has resumed operations under strict new environmental conditions.
