| Date of offence or contravention | 2 September 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type of offence or contravention | Fail to comply with an Improvement Notice at Campbellfield on 2 September 2023, contrary to s.286(1). |
| Background of offence or contravention | The Accused is the director of Auspod Styrene Industries Pty Ltd. The registered office and principal place of business of Auspod Styrene Industries Pty Ltd is located at 266 Rex Road, Campbellfield VIC 3061. On 4 April 2023, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Authorised Officers attended this premises in response to pollution reports alleging waste discharging beyond the boundary of the premises. The inspection revealed that approximately 1,700 polystyrene waffle pods, and flammable chemicals labelled as “Pentane”, were stored in the warehouse. Stockpiles of polystyrene waste were accumulating around several areas of the warehouse, including under and around machinery emitting high temperatures. Fire extinguishers and an external hose main were located at the premises, all of which were untagged. No fire detection or suppression system was installed at the premises, and there was no Fire Risk Assessment or Emergency Management Plan in place. On 14 April 2023, Auspod was electronically served an EPA Improvement Notice requiring the development of a Fire Risk Assessment and Emergency Management Plan. Auspod failed to develop and provide the EPA with the Fire Risk Assessment within the prescribed timeframe but ultimately complied with the Improvement Notice. |
| Date of court hearing | 9 October 2025 |
| Date of court order | 9 October 2025 |
| Judicial officer | Magistrate Henderson |
| Court and location | Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court |
| Proceeding number | R10386330 |
Court orders made
Diversion with a condition to be of good behaviour, donate $1,000 to Merri Creek Environment Fund, and complete an Environmental Compliance Training Program.
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