The ongoing odour issue at the Visy paper recycling plant in Reservoir, Melbourne, has residents questioning the future of their neighbourhood. The plant, which has been a part of the community for decades, has been a source of persistent complaints about its smell, which some residents describe as 'torture' and 'horrendous'.
The plant, built in 1983, processes over 800,000 tonnes of material annually, and its water-intensive operations produce sulphides and volatile fatty acids, which are released into the air through ventilation stacks. While Visy has undertaken substantial on-site work to reduce odour, including building higher stacks and increasing the velocity of water vapour discharge, residents like Chris Wilkinson and Frieda argue that these measures have only provided marginal improvements.
The issue is not just about the smell; it's about the impact on residents' health and quality of life. Frieda, who lives several hundred metres away, reports daily coughing fits and breathing difficulties due to the odour. The situation is particularly challenging during lockdowns, when the smell is almost constant.
The problem has sparked a debate about industrial zoning and planning laws. Professor Carl Grodach of Monash University argues that the current regulations are antiquated and fail to address the land use conflicts between industrial activities and residential areas. He suggests that Visy should eventually move to a more suitable location, but notes that smaller, lower-impact industrial activities are also struggling due to outdated planning.
Local state MP Nathan Lambert acknowledges the challenges, but points out that the state government has already overhauled Victoria's industrial planning laws, requiring corporations to manage pollution, including odours. However, he concedes that planning laws move slowly and may not provide an immediate solution to the issue in Reservoir.
The case of the Visy plant raises deeper questions about the relationship between industry and community. It highlights the need for more thoughtful and comprehensive planning, one that considers the impact on residents' health and quality of life. It also underscores the importance of balancing industrial needs with community well-being, and the need for ongoing dialogue and adaptation to address these challenges.
In my opinion, the Visy plant's odour issue is a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of industrial development. It calls for a re-evaluation of our approach to zoning and planning, and a commitment to creating more sustainable and harmonious relationships between industry and community. As we navigate the complexities of urban development, it is crucial to remember that the well-being of our neighbours and the environment must always be a priority.
