NuGrow hit with $45,000 in state government fines

One of the companies at the centre of a furore over a stink that Ipswich residents claim is causing them health issues has been slapped with more than $45,000 worth of fines by the state’s environment department.

One of the companies at the centre of a furore over a stink that Ipswich residents claim is causing them health issues has been slapped with more than $45,000 worth of fines by the state’s environment department.

The Courier-Mail understands NuGrow – one of the companies operating in the Swanbank industrial area – was hit with three separate infringement notices, including for contravening “a condition of an environmental authority” and “conducting certain activities without being authorised”.

While the enforcement action does not relate to the alleged smell, the Department of Environment and Science said it was continuing to investigate complaints related to “odour nuisance” coming from area.

A spokesman said the fines were a result of a substantial increase in compliance activity by DES of waste and composting facilities in the Swanbank area since June 2023, following a rise in complaints.

“Our investigations into odour issues are progressing, and our investigators are collecting statements from community members regarding odour nuisance reports, which may be used in future court proceedings,” he said.

“We will continue to conduct frequent inspections of operators in the Swanbank area to monitor compliance with environmental laws.”

More than 7000 community reports had been made to the department, with an external firm engaged to assist in its investigations.

Environment Minister Leanne Linard said: “The department has a dedicated team actively investigating the issue. Additional resources have been added to the team to enable enhanced compliance.

“The department is also exploring new legal avenues to respond to the issue.”

A Queensland Health spokesman said residents who believed the smell was causing health issues should speak to their GP, as directed by chief health officer John Gerrard in September.

NuGrow was contacted for comment.