Ipswich stench: Law firm raises possibility of compensation

Residents living in what they claim to be Australia’s stinkiest city, with the stench so bad they say it’s making them sick, may be eligible for compensation payments. WATCH THE VIDEO

• Special report: Inside Australia’s stinkiest city

Ipswich residents who have been complaining of a stench in the area making them sick could be eligible for compensation payments.

Slater and Gordon Lawyers said it was likely many people suffering breathing problems or skin conditions were unaware they could bring a personal injury claim, to compensate them for the harm caused by their exposure.

Since 2018, locals in the area have been complaining about the smell coming from Swanbank Industrial Area, which hosts composting, landfill and recycling facilities.

Residents such as eight-year-old Violet Knight have reported struggling to breathe.

Before moving to Ripley four years ago, Violet was able to run outside easily.

“I could breathe clearly, and I would only cough when I was sick. Now it’s like constantly coughing,” she said.

Eight-year-old Violet Knight with her mother Kendall Knight. Picture: Danica Clayton

“It’s really bad.”

Slater and Gordon public liability senior associate Peter Adams said it was important those affected by the exposure consulted with their GP as soon as possible for the appropriate tests to identify potential injuries.

Mr Adams said to pursue a personal injury claim, a link between the diagnosed injury and the exposure must be confirmed.

“In Queensland, if any person is injured and does not bring a claim in the courts within three years from the date they were exposed, they will lose their right to bring a claim,” Mr Adams said.

“If you have been exposed for three years or more, it is possible to apply to the courts to extend the time limitation period for a further 12 months.”

Swanbank Industrial Area. Picture: Danica Clayton

“Time limitations are extremely complex, and it is best to seek independent legal advice as soon as possible, especially where an individual has been exposed to chemicals for a significant period of time.”

Mother Kendall Knight said Violet had been diagnosed with asthma soon after moving to Ripley four years ago.

“I noticed every time she got sick she had chest infections, which lead to her being diagnosed with asthma,” she said.

Eight-year-old Violet Knight says she struggles to breathe from the Ipswich "stench". Picture: Danica Clayton

“If the smell is really bad outside her asthma flares up.”

Violet has to use her inhaler at least twice a day and more often when the smell is present.

Describing a “horrible” smell similar to that of rubbish bins, Ms Knight said even when closing all the doors in her home Violet still struggles to breathe.

“Some days you can’t go outside. Some days it’s so bad it comes inside,” she said.

“When we first moved here we just thought someone just put fertiliser on their garden. We only found out through the community what it was.”

Ms Knight is unable to afford to move out of the area and worries about the long term effects of Violet being exposed to the odours.

Eight-year-old Violet Knight says she struggles to breathe from the Ipswich stench. Picture: Danica Clayton

“For Violet, as an eight-year-old, she isn’t able to go outside and play outside,” she said.

“Every kid should be able to play outside.

“With this smell she just can’t. She will have coughing fits and wheezing for the night, so it’s just not worth it.”

Swanbank Industrial Area. Picture: Danica Clayton