Judge orders NuGrow to dig temporary ponds amid Swanbank flooding fears

A judge has ordered a southeast Queensland recycling company to take urgent action after a local council highlighted potential major flood risks after it allegedly filled in stormwater ponds.

A major Queensland recycling company has been ordered to dig temporary ponds after it allegedly filled in stormwater ponds at a site west of Brisbane, potentially increasing the risk of flooding.

Ipswich City Council filed an urgent court application against NuGrow, fearing that the removal of run-off reservoirs at its Swanbank facility would lead to a higher chance of flooding in downstream properties.

Ipswich argued NuGrow had not applied for a development application to carry out the works.

In a statement, council said Judge Michael Rackemann ordered the recycling and compost company to excavate temporary sediment and stormwater ponds.

Aerial footage captured of the Swanbank facility. Picture: Ipswich City Council.

There would be a subsequent court review in early 2021.

“Ipswich City Council has been successful with a court order requiring a waste management company to improve its onsite practices,” the council said in a statement.

“Council sought an enforcement order to have the ponds re-instated as a priority given that it is forecast for a La Niña weather pattern over the coming months.”

“The absence of the stormwater ponds is likely to lead to an increase in discharge and associated adverse downstream flooding impacts on adjacent properties during significant rainfall events; and result in adverse impacts in terms of water quality.”

Aerial footage captured of the Swanbank facility. Picture: Ipswich City Council.

It follows a weekend of unsettled weather across southeast Queensland, which saw close to 1000mm fall in the Gold Coast hinterland.

NuGrow did not respond to earlier requests for comment, and has been contacted for comment.