The persistent stench emanating from the Visy recycling plant in Reservoir has become a long-standing issue, with residents like Chris Wilkinson and Frieda bearing the brunt of its impact. Wilkinson, who has lived opposite the plant since before the pandemic, describes the odor as a form of torture, especially during lockdowns when it was relentless. Frieda, who lives further away, still experiences the smell's effects, impacting her breathing and causing daily coughing fits.
The plant, established in 1983, processes over 800,000 tonnes of residential and commercial recycling annually, creating an odor problem due to its water-intensive process. The heat and chemicals produce sulphides and volatile fatty acids, which are released through ventilation stacks, causing the offensive smell. Visy acknowledges the issue and has implemented measures to reduce odor, including higher stacks and increased water vapor discharge velocity, but residents feel these are mere band-aid solutions.
Urban planner Professor Carl Grodach argues that Visy's paper recycling operation is no longer suitable for its current location. He criticizes Victoria's industrial zoning regulations as outdated and suggests a comprehensive review is needed. Grodach points to Visy's successful relocation of its recycled glass manufacturing plant from inner Brisbane as a precedent for moving the Reservoir plant.
Local state MP Nathan Lambert has been engaging with residents and acknowledges that while Visy and the EPA's efforts have improved the situation, it is still far from ideal. He agrees that the odor issue is not acceptable and highlights the state government's recent overhaul of industrial planning laws to manage pollution, including odors. However, he cautions that planning laws move slowly and may not provide immediate relief for Reservoir residents.
A state government spokesperson defends Victoria's planning laws, stating they provide clear directions for land usage in both inner and outer suburbs. They emphasize the modernization of planning for industrial land to protect important industrial areas and manage community impact.
In my opinion, the Visy recycling plant's odor issue is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted solution. While Visy's efforts to reduce odor are commendable, it seems that a more permanent and effective solution may lie in relocating the plant to a more suitable location, as suggested by Professor Grodach. This would require a collaborative effort between Visy, the state government, and the local community to find a balance between industrial needs and resident well-being. The state government's recent planning law reforms are a step in the right direction, but as Lambert points out, the process is slow, and immediate relief for Reservoir residents may not be achievable through this route alone.
What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the diverse range of resident experiences and opinions. Some, like Wilkinson and Frieda, are severely impacted by the odor, while others nearby may not notice it at all. This highlights the subjective nature of sensory experiences and the challenges of creating regulations that cater to such individual differences. It also raises the question of whether a one-size-fits-all approach to industrial zoning is feasible or if a more nuanced, case-by-case assessment is required.
From my perspective, the Visy recycling plant's odor issue is a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by urban planning and industrial development. As cities evolve and grow, the need for industrial spaces to coexist harmoniously with residential areas becomes increasingly important. The Reservoir case study serves as a reminder that while economic development is crucial, it must be balanced with the well-being and quality of life of the community. It's a delicate dance, and finding the right steps requires collaboration, innovation, and a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of each situation.
