Petition Visy papermill on Radford Road, Reservoir

Issue:

This petition of certain residents of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the offensive odours originating from the Visy papermill on Radford Road, Reservoir. The odour is linked to bacterial activity in the mill's recycled water systems. The heat and chemicals used in Visy's recycled water operation produce sulphides and volatile fatty acids, giving off a horrific chemical smell, once released into air through ventilation stacks. Residents report that the odour, described as "choking blood and bone", has persisted for decades and has significantly impacted their quality of life. An urban planning expert says Victoria's industrial zoning laws are outdated and operations like Visy's papermill may no longer be appropriate so close to housing. Visy admits there is no simple solution, it will take time to get the combination of odour management strategies right. Visy has built higher ventilation stacks and increased the velocity of water vapour discharge to improve dispersion, reduce the intensity of the odour at ground level. These alterations have not been affective to reduce or eliminate the stink. Visy’s approach is perceived as slack, dismissive, even callous.

Action:

The petitioners request that the Legislative Assembly calls on the Government to ensure that EPA Victoria imposes further odour control requirements on Visy in Reservoir, including urgent action to reduce/eliminate offensive, (mental and physical) health affecting odours, increase field odour surveillance to ensure compliance and demand the papermill be moved to a different industrial site, away from residents.