The State Member for Ipswich West, Wendy Bourne MP, is calling on the Crisafulli
Government to establish a dedicated Community Reference Group (CRG) for Ipswich
West residents affected by ongoing waste and odour concerns.
The call comes after the Queensland Environment Minister confirmed that the
Department received 425 complaints from 124 individuals between 1 January 2025 to
24 March 2026 relating to odour, air quality and health concerns associated with waste
disposal activities across Ipswich West.
Following further questioning from Ms Bourne, the Minister also confirmed that the
Crisafulli Government had no plans to establish a separate dedicated reference group
for the area, instead relying on the existing Swanbank Community Reference Group that
oversees the industrial waste activity in Swanbank and New Chum.
“Four hundred and twenty-five complaints should be setting off alarm bells in 1 William
Street”, Ms Bourne said.
“The communities I represent in Tivoli, Chuwar, Karalee and surrounding areas are
highly residential areas that are distinctly different from the more industrial areas of
Swanbank and New Chum.”
“Ipswich West deserves to have direct engagement with government on this issue and
this disregard is yet another example of how our community is an afterthought when
decisions are being made by this government.”
Ms Bourne said she would continue advocating for stronger community consultation
and greater transparency from the Crisafulli Government on waste disposal activities
and noxious odour issues.
“Ipswich West is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing areas and families are rightfully
asking questions about air quality, odours and the impact these industrial activities may
be having on their quality of life.”
“If the Government is serious about ‘delivering’, it should stop spending millions on blue
advertising and instead establish a dedicated Ipswich West Community Reference
Group, to ensure that residents have a seat at the table.”
For media inquiries, please contact ipswich.west@parliament.qld.gov.au.
