RESIDENTS ARE FUMIN’
Locals claim fumes are giving them blood noses, headaches
BLOOD noses, headaches and sinus build ups are a few of the side effects residents in Alex Parade are suffering from due to toxic fumes allegedly blowing from the industrial zone in Roma. One resident, Robert Abberton said he approached council three months ago but no action has been taken.
RESIDENT Robert Abberton, along with his neighbours of Alex Parade are fed up after suffering blood noses, headaches and sinus build ups due to toxic fumes allegedly blowing from the industrial zone in Roma.
The 65-year-old approached council with the issue over three months ago and with no action taken, he has kept a log book recording the daily trauma.
“I’ve had three random nose bleeds this week,” Mr Abberton said.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous. “We’ve met with council, but they just stand there shrugging their shoulders and pass the buck to the State Government.”
Twelve years ago, Mr Abberton bought his Roma property in the light industry zone, which he said was verified at the time by councillor David Schefe.
But as the gas boom took its weight, a plethora of industrial businesses started operating in town, adjacent to Mr Abberton’s home, eventually being rezoned into an industry zone.
Mr Abberton said for the past eight years, one of the businesses in the industrial zone had allegedly been pumping out fumes, spewing through the homes on Alex Parade and affecting the residents. “It’s in council guidelines that businesses shouldn’t affect the quality of residents liveability,” Mr Abberton said.
“Why hasn’t council stopped this? Council need to fix the situation so the fumes stop coming into our homes.”
In council’s Industry Zone Code it states industrial activities are located, designed and managed to maintain public safety, avoid significant adverse effects on the natural environment and minimise impacts on adjacent non-industrial land.
Planning and Building councillor Wendy Newman said council has carried out an extensive investigation.
“Council treats all complaints very seriously,” Cr Newman said.
“The standards for noise and odour emissions are set by the State Government.
“Council has been conducting ongoing assessments and monitoring air emissions in this locality to ensure compliance with the legislated standards.
“There has been no breach of the standards throughout this ongoing investigation.”
Cr Newman said businesses in this area have been proactive as well as working with council on this issue, and council was satisfied that these businesses are operating to the state’s standards.
NO MORE: Robert Abberton, along with his neighbours on Alex Parade, claim they are suffering bloody noses, headaches and sinus problems due to fumes allegedly blowing from the industrial zone in Roma.