Ipswich Residents Urge for Health Inquiry Into 'Rotten Egg' Gas from Local Waste Industry

Residents of Ipswich, Queensland, are calling for urgent action to investigate the health impacts of the foul-smelling gas emitted by the region's waste industry. For Tracey Butler, who lives near the Swanbank Industrial Area, the odor has become an all-too-familiar part of daily life. Her home, situated near several composting and mulching sites, is frequently subjected to overpowering smells, which she describes as "complete raw sewage" and "makes me gag."

The Butler family is just one of many affected by the persistent odors. Tracey, a member of the local community group Stop the Stink, says the stench has made it nearly impossible for her to leave the house at times. "My husband and I have seen kids walk past our house going to school vomiting, and that's from being out in the smell," she said.

Since 2018, the Queensland Environment Department has received thousands of complaints from residents, but many feel the issue remains unresolved. The persistent odors are reportedly affecting people's health, including causing symptoms such as rashes, hives, and other respiratory problems. Michelle Filippi, who moved to Redbank Plains in 2021, developed eczema rashes shortly after arriving, and later experienced severe hives whenever she sweated. "It was terrible," she said, urging the new state government to prioritize a health inquiry into the situation.

In 2022, the Ipswich City Council called for a public health inquiry into the issue, but the request was denied by the then-chief health officer, Dr. John Gerrard, who expressed doubts about the usefulness of such an inquiry. However, ahead of the state election, the Liberal National Party (LNP) pledged to hold one if it won power, with former health spokesperson Ros Bates labeling the odors "unacceptable" and raising concerns about their potential health risks.

Premier David Crisafulli confirmed that Health Minister Tim Nicholls has begun work on the inquiry, but did not specify when it would be conducted. "We promised it in the lead-up to the election so residents know that it's going to happen," Crisafulli said, adding that he has little patience for politicians who fail to follow through. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding echoed the call for urgency, stressing that the inquiry must take place within the next 12 months to address the long-standing concerns of affected residents.

As the pressure mounts for action, Ipswich residents remain hopeful that their voices will be heard, and the promised inquiry will lead to answers and solutions to the ongoing health risks posed by the waste industry’s emissions.