Odour nuisance

Council and Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Victoria investigate environmental nuisance and air pollutants, including dust, odour, smoke and fumes from residential, commercial and industrial areas which can impact people's health.

Odour can come from numerous sources including;

  • Chemical odours associated with spray drift
  • Compost heaps
  • Farm land
  • Fertilisers
  • Fumes
  • Industrial premises 
  • Rubbish and
  • Sewage overflow

The pollution from odour can cause a nuisance to neighbours and, if severe, can also affect people’s health.

Businesses must make sure that any odour from their activities or premises doesn’t impact the local community. 

In many instances, issues about odour can be resolved by speaking to the person or business creating the odour. Often the person making the odour isn’t aware that they’re causing a problem and will quickly fix the situation.

You can approach a person or business by talking to them directly or dropping off a letter in their mailbox.

Further information can be found on the EPA’s website

If you are experiencing undesirable odours coming from a neighbouring property, public place or food premise please contact Council on (03) 5772 0333.

 

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
  • 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.

 

Residential Smoke Pollution

Smoke can cause a nuisance to neighbours and interfere with their day-today life. If severe enough, it can also affect people’s health.

To help minimise the health and safety impact of burning of smoke, Murrindindi Shire Council follows direction from the CFA for burning off and declared fire danger periods.

 

Commercial Smoke Pollution

If the problem is caused by smoke, fumes, or odours from industry, contact the Environment Protection Authority on 1300 372 842 or visit EPA’s website

 

Wood Heaters

Smoke pollution from wood heaters on residential properties can be a problem if it persists for more than 20 minutes after the fire has started. 

Well operated wood heaters can provide an efficient way to heat your home and should produce heat without smoke. However, wood heaters and open fire places that are not operated well can add to outdoor air pollution and cause problems for your neighbours.

Wood smoke contains many different chemicals, some of which are toxic to humans when inhaled can cause physical discomfort and health problems for people with respiratory illnesses, including children and the elderly.

In many instances, issues about smoke can be resolved by speaking to the person or business creating the smoke. Often the person creating the smoke isn’t aware that they’re causing a problem and will quickly fix the situation.

You can approach a person or business by talking to them directly or dropping off a letter in their mailbox.

Further information can be found on the EPA’s website

If you are experiencing smoke pollution coming from a neighbouring property or public place please contact Council on (03) 5772 0333.


 

 

Back to top