Date of offence
06 October 2018
Type of offence
Charge 1: Permit an environmental hazard at Yuroke Creek at Broadmeadows on 06.10.2018, contrary to s.27A(1)(c).
Background of offence

Fresh Cheese Co (Aust) Pty Ltd (the Accused) were fined $8,060 by the County Court of Victoria after pleading guilty to an EPA Victoria charge of permitting an environmental hazard.

EPA Victoria charged the Accused after members of the public reported a strong odour and white liquid entering Yuroke Creek at Broadmeadows.

EPA officers confirmed the odour and traced the white liquid back through a drain to the company's premises in Riggall St, Broadmeadows. They took samples and found the liquid appeared to be leaking into the drain through a crack in concrete on the site.

Inspecting the company's waste management equipment, the officers found the liquid should have been pumped into a large holding tank for treatment and proper disposal, but the pump was not operating.

EPA called in a scientific expert to assess the potential impact on wildlife and plants in the creek. Testing showed nutrient levels in samples collected from the Fresh Cheese premises were very high, which could contribute to the growth of harmful algae and weeds in the creek.

Since the leak was discovered, the company has added to the structures designed to trap any leaks and installed an automatice system designed to pump out any spilled liquid.

Judge Brookes found the company guilty and recorded a conviction.

Date of court hearing
15 February 2022
Date of court order
15 February 2022
Court magistrate
D G Brookes
Court location
County Court of Victoria
Proceeding number
CR-21-01283

Court orders made

Convicted and order that Fresh Cheese Co (Aust) Pty Ltd pay a fine in the sum of $8,060.00.

Reviewed 3 October 2023