Tougher regulations have been announced to crack down on compost companies that cause toxic odours in areas such as Ipswich.
The changes will force compost dumps located within 4 kilometres of housing estates to use in vessel or enclosed processing for highly odorous materials.
Compost companies could cop a $1 million fine or up to five years jail if they don’t comply with the new regulations.
The Environmental Regulator will also have the power to ensure transporters of highly odorous waste do not take waste to sites which do not meet these requirements.
In vessel or enclosed processing is considered best practice in reducing odour from leaving the site and affecting nearby residents.
The regulations came about following feedback through consultation processes with the local community, industry, and local government.
Minister for Environment Leanne Linard said that odour is affecting the lives of thousands of Queenslanders every day, particularly in the Swanbank and New Chum areas.
“This is simply unacceptable and since becoming Minister addressing this has been a top priority,” she said.
“The members for Bundamba, Jordan, and Ipswich have been strong advocates for their communities in calling for more to be done to resolve odour issues.
“At a community meeting in Redbank Plains in September, I gave a commitment that the government would consider stronger regulations that would require all existing organics facilities in close proximity to residential areas to transition to fully-enclosed facilities,” Minister Linard said.
