Odour Inquiry Leaves Some Ipswich Residents Still in the Dark
Ipswich residents express mixed feelings about an inquiry into persistent odours affecting their health and daily lives
Ipswich, Australia, Odour Inquiry, Health Concerns, Waste Facilities
Ipswich: Residents have been dealing with awful smells from waste plants for years, and now they’re split on the recent inquiry into health impacts.
For six long years, folks in Ipswich, just southwest of Brisbane, have been complaining about smells that remind them of raw sewage, ammonia, and even rotting compost. It’s been a tough time for them.
The inquiry, led by John Gerrard, a former chief health officer in Queensland, is supposed to look into how these odours might be affecting people’s health, especially around the Swanbank and New Chum waste facilities.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls thinks this inquiry is a big deal for Ipswich residents who have been suffering for too long. He said it’s a chance for them to share their experiences and health worries.
But not everyone is convinced. Some residents are skeptical that the inquiry will really address their issues. Tracey Butler, a strong advocate for her neighbors, called it a “half job” that misses the bigger picture.
She’s worried that people in nearby areas like Tivoli and North Ipswich, who are also affected, won’t be included. “If you’re going to do an inquiry, do it right,” she said.
Many residents have had their daily lives disrupted. They can’t open windows, hang laundry outside, or even enjoy outdoor gatherings. Some say the smells have made them feel sick.
“We can’t have barbecues like normal people,” Tracey shared, mentioning her daughter’s autistic child who can’t come over if there’s a bad smell.
Adding to the tension is Dr. Gerrard’s earlier stance against needing an inquiry. Back in September, he said they were already doing public health work and just needed to hear from people with symptoms.
Tracey is worried this shows he might not be fair. “He was the one who said ‘no, you don’t need an inquiry’,” she pointed out.
On the other hand, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding is happy about the inquiry. She believes it’s time to address the real health issues residents have faced for years.
Even after hefty fines in 2024, including a record $600,000 against Cleanaway for odour violations, the problems continue. The inquiry is set to gather public input and share its findings by mid-2025.