Odours and fumes

Odours and fumes can be caused by various industrial, commercial or residential activities. Under the City’s Local Laws it is the responsibility of the owner or occupier of the land or premises to prevent the escape of smoke, fumes, odours and dust. Escape of smoke, fumes, odours or dust from a property must not be of such a quantity or nature as to cause a nuisance to any person.

What is unreasonable odour?

Odours being emitted from a property may result in annoyance or nuisance to members of the public. A person’s reaction to odour is subjective. An odour may be pleasant to one person and unpleasant to someone else.

Not all odours are covered by legislation. Generally, only ‘unreasonable’ or ‘offensive’ odours are regulated. An odour is considered unreasonable as defined under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 if it unreasonably interferes with the health, welfare, convenience, comfort, or amenity of any person.

There is no reliable or accurate equipment that can measure odour or annoyance. The following factors may be used to determine the level of interference with the amenity that a person may experience:

• Frequency of odour impacts

• Intensity (or strength)

• Duration of the exposure – the time you first smelt the odour and how long it lasted for that day

• Offensiveness of the odour

• Location – where you smelt the odour (for example, at your home or business)

• Impacts on your normal activities

Reducing odours from your property

Tips to reduce odour include:

• Keep your property tidy and don't allow vegetation or rubbish to accumulate

• Recycle organic waste and garden clippings

• Minimise rubbish by composting and mulching

• Where possible, enclose or cover compost bins or vegetation. To help reduce odours regularly turn and aerate compost

• Avoid planting near all pipes and underground amenity lines on your property

• Invest in a root barrier when planting and seek advice from a nursery regarding plants with non-invasive roots

• Consider weather conditions before starting work that will create odour. When applying fertilisers, try to avoid windy days. Also avoid wet days as run-off to storm water drains is harmful to our creeks and rivers

Lodge a formal complaint

Do you have a concern about odours or fumes in your neighbourhood? The City recommends you first approach the person causing the issue to explain how it is affecting you. Often they may not realise that they are disturbing other residents. 

If you wish to have your complaint formally investigated by City, please complete and return the form below.

If you have an enquiry regarding odours or fumes please contact us.

Odour Investigation Log Sheet

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