GP health alert: Health complaints related to odour from the Swanbank Industrial Area
The Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation (DESI) continues to work towards solutions for communities experiencing odour issues across the wider Ipswich area caused by several landfills and composting sites within the Swanbank and New Chum industrial areas.
Residents in nearby areas such as Swanbank, New Chum, Collingwood Park, Ebbw Vale, Ripley, White Rock, Bundamba, Riverview, Brookwater, and Springfield report that the odour impacts their wellbeing, with some experiencing mental distress and other health concerns.
The department advises that in general, most substances that cause odours in outdoor air are not at levels that are harmful to health. However, some residents may experience impacts to their mental health and quality of life due to:
- the fear that the odour is harmful to their health
- concerns that physical symptoms experienced are related to the odour.
Local mental health support is available for residents affected by the odour
Aware of the health concerns of people living in odour-affected areas, West Moreton Public Health Unit (WMPHU) has engaged the nearby Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre to provide free mental health support for affected adults.
Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre (IMMHC) (formerly known as Ipswich Head to Health), is a free, federally funded, adult mental health service, staffed by skilled multidisciplinary teams, offering a broad range of treatment and support options.
GPs can refer their patients using the referral form, however IMMHC also accepts walk-ins without a referral or Medicare card.
Their services include:
- face-to-face support for people experiencing crisis and distress due to mental health, domestic violence, homelessness and other social issues.
- assessment, service navigation, and short to medium-term clinical intervention.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (excluding public holidays)
Location: Level 1, Eats Building, Nicholas Street Precinct.
Enter the corridor between the Ipswich Adult Library and “That Dumpling Place”, then
navigate to Level 1, via lift or stairs.
Phone: [07 2802 6000](tel:07 2802 6000)
Email: Ipswichhth@openminds.org.au
Further information for health professionals
The West Moreton Public Health Unit (WMPHU) remains interested in understanding the number of residents who present to their GP with odour-related symptoms.
Please contact the WNPHU on [327 187 44](tel:327 187 44) during business hours or email Dr Penny Hutchinson, public health physician, at penny.hutchinson@health.qld.gov.au.
For further information and background on the odour issue, please refer to the Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation (DESI) website.