Former Chief Health Officer to chair Public Health Inquiry into Ipswich odour issues
- The Crisafulli Government will hold a Public Health Inquiry into the odour-related health concerns of Ipswich residents.
- The Inquiry follows prosecution by the Department of Environment against operators.
- The Inquiry will be chaired by former Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard.
The Crisafulli Government has launched a Public Health Inquiry into possible health impacts from major odour issues emanating from Swanbank and New Chum Industrial Estate.
Delivering on a key commitment to Ipswich residents, the Inquiry will investigate potential health effects from noxious odours from the industrial estate following recent Department of Environment prosecution against operators.
Specialist physician and former Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard will chair the Inquiry, with a panel including technical expertise in environmental matters and supported with legal and clinical advice as necessary.
The six-month Inquiry will include public consultation with residents to document their experiences and the impact the odour issues are having on their lives.
The Inquiry team will prepare a detailed report for the Queensland Government to determine whether odour from nearby waste and composting facilities has impacted the health of residents and what can be done to address the health concerns of affected residents.
The final report will be released by the Government in mid-2025.
Minister for Health Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government takes the health and wellbeing of Ipswich residents seriously, unlike Labor who refused to acknowledge this issue for years.
"The residents of Ipswich have repeatedly raised concerns about odour issues and the associated health impacts, including at a community meeting in September 2023," Minister Nicholls said.
"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.
"Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has been at the forefront of raising concerns with the Government on behalf of the community she represents, we have heard those concerns loud and clear and that is why we are taking strong action," Minister Nicholls said.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the public health inquiry after spearheading advocacy on behalf of the Ipswich community.
"For years, Ipswich residents have experienced very real and persistent health issues which they strongly believe are caused by waste odours. This includes rashes, migraines, respiratory issues, chest pains, sore throats and eyes, and nausea," Mayor Harding said.
"This announcement comes two-and-a-half years on from council's unanimous resolution calling for an inquiry into the long-term health impacts of waste odours and I am delighted that Minister for Health Tim Nicholls is giving a voice to the Ipswich community so their health concerns can finally be heard.
"I would like to thank Minister Nicholls, and the Queensland Government, for coming to Ipswich today promising to deliver an evidence-based investigation into health effects caused by waste odours."
Former Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said he and an expert panel would have the authority to thoroughly investigate what is happening and to make necessary recommendations.
"This Inquiry will document any health impacts resulting from the waste and composting facilities at Swanbank odours, the impact they're having on the community, and aims to identify the solutions to present to the government," Dr Gerrard said.
