Residents near the Swanbank Industrial Area in Ipswich have been plagued with an unbearable stench around the air for years, but they can actually help the government solve these nuisances by reporting odour issues to the concerned authorities.
In May 2019, the Palaszczuk Government through the Queensland Environment Department sought a survey and gathered feedback from the locals via phone and emails to determine where the odour frequently occurred. This was the second survey done at the Swanbank Industrial Area community after the initial survey conducted last April 2018.
“The Palaszczuk Government takes this matter seriously and is committed to listening to the community,” Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said.
“We have had new processes in place for the past 12 months to ensure an appropriate response is happening on the ground.
“Over the next month, affected residents and the industry will be engaged in the survey, and these results will help to inform the future of environmental management for the area.”
Even as the survey period has passed, the Queensland Environment Department still welcomes reports about the odours for quick action from the Odour Abatement Task Force.
Residents may:
- call 1300 130 372 (press option 3), or
- file an Environmental Incident Report online, or
- Visit the department’s office at 163 Alawoona Street, Redbank Plains
With over 30 industrial operators at the Swanbank Industrial Area, it’s not always easy for the task force to zero in on the sources. Thus, the government needs these reports to facilitate a better course of action.