Hannah Hammoud
This story was originally published in April 2024 and Star Weekly has chosen to share it again for readers to enjoy.
Locals are warning Brimbank council to take lessons from the municipality’s past as it considers a planning permit application for a fertiliser production site in Sunshine North.
When it comes to odour pollution Nicole Power is no stranger to its effects. She believes there is a disproportionate burden borne by the western suburbs.
“Why is the west always the preferred destination for these stinking industries?“ Ms Power questioned.
The prospect of yet another industrial facility in her local area deeply troubles Ms Power, who said she has been severely impacted by the odour from the Barro landfill for more than four years.
“The letter came in my mailbox and I was just horrified,“ she said.
“To get this notification that there is a possibility I could be impacted again… I think it’s just unconscionable.”
The application includes a proposal for a fertiliser production facility located at 65a Imperial Avenue, Sunshine North.
The application cites that it does not propose any new buildings and works, with the use intended to be fully encompassed within the existing warehouse on the site.
The facility states will be used to produce fertiliser from the microbial digestion of fish to produce a liquid Amino Acid fertiliser and seaweed liquid plant additive.
Brimbank council city futures director Kelvin Walsh said council is obligated to consider all planning applications it receives, and that an application placed on public notice does not guarantee that a permit will be issued.
Mr Walsh said council has been contacted by a number of residents who have raised concerns about odour regarding the fertiliser production, which will form part of council’s assessment of the application.
“In this case the applicant submitted an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which includes a section on odour suppression, which recommends a number of measures to be implemented to ensure that odour is appropriately managed and minimised. The EMP is included in the advertised material and is available online for public viewing. The application has also been referred to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) for review and comment,” Mr Walsh said.
“Advertised planning applications may be viewed on Brimbank’s website at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/advertised-plans/current-advertised-plans and objections lodged by emailing info@brimbank.vic.gov.au.”
Ms said there are significant mental health implications of constant exposure to industrial odour.
“I think there needs to be something in place if you’re going to stick a fertilising plant right in the middle of houses,“ she said.
“I’m just tired of the fight for trying to breathe fresh air.
“I know odour is subjective, but people don’t realise the mental health impacts of constant odour. It permeates my whole home. I’ve had countless sleepless nights.”
Ms Power said the burden of advocating against such projects has taken a toll on residents like herself.
“Your life is consumed by reports, meetings, and complaints. It’s more than just odour, it’s bigger than that. I’m stuck in the middle of hell,” she said.
“I do understand that residential and industry have to coexist, but this is just another kick in the guts to locals. How much more do they want to throw at us?”
“There are always so many precautions put in place that constantly fail. Have we not learnt already from what’s happened in this area?“
