Swanbank Public Health Inquiry
Queensland Health has released the findings of its Swanbank Public Health Inquiry, which was tasked with investigating potential health effects of odours from local industrial estates.
A final report from the Inquiry was released by Queensland Health on 19 November 2025.
The inquiry found that odour is having a negative effect on many Ipswich residents. The most common symptoms that people experienced affected their breathing, ears, nose, throat, nerves, stomach, skin, and mental health. There is no increased risk of cancer for people exposed to the odour. There is also no evidence of any other long-term health impacts such as fertility or pregnancy problems.
The report outlines thirteen findings and eight recommendations for community relief from offensive odours.
For more information about the inquiry, a copy of the report and what this means for the local community, you can visit the Queensland Health webpage.
For enquiries in relation to the inquiry you can email Queensland Health.
On this page
Health and community impact
What do I do if I feel my health is being impacted?
For health-related concerns, visit Queensland Health’s dedicated webpage on the Inquiry.
Are actions already taken to reduce odours having an impact for the community?
Yes. Odour reports have dropped by 70 per cent over the past year, the lowest in seven years. For more information on actions already taken, please see below.
How can I get information on what’s being done to support the community?
For more information on the Inquiry, please visit Queensland Health.
DETSI will maintain regular community engagement through meetings, newsletters, and updates.
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Compliance, enforcement and actions taken
For detailed information on the action already taken by DETSI in the Ipswich area, and what’s to come to reduce odour impacts, please see our Swanbank and New Chum Community questions.
Odour management and best practices
For detailed information about how and why odours occur in the area, best practice operation for the waste industry and what action DETSI has already taken, please see our Swanbank and New Chum Community questions.
What improvements can I expect in September 2026?
By September 2026, all composting operators must transition to enclosed or in-vessel systems or stop receiving odorous feedstocks. These systems confine odours during the most odorous composting phases, which is expected to provide significant further relief to nearby communities.
Can DETSI accelerate the transition to best practice infrastructure?
Accelerating transitions to enclosed composting systems is limited by development approvals, construction timeframes, and legal constraints. We are working with operators to voluntarily fast-track actions where possible.
For further information
For more information about the inquiry, including support services you can visit the Queensland Health webpage.
For enquiries relating to the inquiry, please email Queensland Health.