As odour continues to overwhelm the Moorooka and Salisbury suburbs, local noxious odour action group is alarmed at the bizarre extension that’s been given by Council to EGR.

The Salisbury Moorooka Noxious Odour Action Group (SM-NOAG), who are demanding action to stop the solvent odour, has learnt that local business EGR, who was instructed by Council to conduct an Environmental Investigation, has now effectively been given a 12 week extension by Council and is instead now required to complete the investigation by 19 November.

SM-NOAG spokesperson Cec Fox said the group was very concerned that nothing has happened to identify the cause of the odour nor any action taken to eliminate it, despite Council knowing of the noxious odour since April 2014 when complaints were first received.

“What is alarming is that there is a lack of transparency around Council decisions. No official communication of this Appeal decision has come to the Moorooka Ward Office from the Lord Mayor.

“It is very worrying that EGR have not agreed they are the source of the odour and have been able to take control of the process, pushing back – with Council agreement – any likely action into 2015.

“EGR has taken every opportunity to delay the process, and have the further option of making an appeal to the Land Court

“This is the second time in 10 years that Council’s action (or inaction) has subjected Salisbury and Moorooka residents to noxious odours coming from EGR.

“We can only conclude Council has neither the resources nor the motivation to regulate this type of industry effectively,” he said.

Residents can join Salisbury Moorooka Noxious Odour Action Group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/odouraction.

SM-NOAG encourages all residents to report the odour when they smell it to Brisbane City Council on 3403 8888.