After years of enduring fetid smells from waste plants, some in Ipswich are sceptical of a freshly announced inquiry into the health impacts
Residents of a city who have endured years of noxious odours from waste plants are divided over the announcement of an inquiry into the health impacts.
For the last six years, residents of Ipswich, southwest of Brisbane, have been complaining of smells they described as raw sewage, ammonia, ethanol, rotting compost, sour milk and decaying animal bodies.
The inquiry, led by Queensland’s former chief health officer John Gerrard, aims to investigate potential health effects from odours linked to Swanbank and New Chum waste facilities.
Queensland health minister Tim Nicholls said the inquiry represented a turning point for Ipswich residents who had long endured odour-related health issues.
“Under Labor, residents have been forced to suffer in silence, but this will give them an opportunity to detail their experiences and health concerns to help inform the inquiry,” he said.
However, some residents remain sceptical about the inquiry adequately addressing their concerns.
Tracey Butler, a vocal advocate for affected residents, called the inquiry a “half job” that overlooked the wider community impact.
“If you’re going to do an inquiry, don’t do a half job, do the full job,” Butler said.
“There are people out there suffering cancer and other health issues in areas like Tivoli, Ebenezer, and North Ipswich – why shouldn’t they all be included?”
The state government has said the inquiry will focus on Swanbank and New Chum due to the volume of complaints from those areas.
However, Butler argues this excludes other potentially affected communities and facilities that handle chemical and waste disposal.
“We want the whole truth … not just part of the chemicals or facilities,” she said.
Residents have long reported significant disruptions to daily life, from being unable to open windows and hang laundry outside to avoiding outdoor gatherings.
Some say the odours have made them physically ill.
“We can’t have barbecues like normal people … my daughter has an autistic child with compromised immunity … she won’t come if there’s an odour,” Butler said.
Adding to concerns is Gerrard’s previous dismissal over the need for an inquiry.
In September 2023 he said: “We are already doing the public health work, and the main thing is to get the information from people who have symptoms.”
Butler said this raised concerns over his ability to be impartial.
“He was the one who said ‘no, you don’t need an inquiry’.”
Ipswich mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the inquiry.
“For years, Ipswich residents have experienced very real and persistent health issues,” she said.
Despite significant fines in 2024, including $600,000 against Cleanaway for odour offences, the highest in Queensland history, the issues persist.
The six-month inquiry will gather public submissions and deliver its findings by mid-2025.
