Report it
If you experience offensive odour or are impacted by other environmental issues, report it.
Unlike other pollutants, odour can be detected by the human nose well before it can be measured with technology. We rely on observations from trained officers and community reports to resolve these issues.
Project overview
The inner western suburbs of Melbourne have many potentially odorous industries. These include animal processing and seed oil production. Many of these businesses operate close to communities who can be impacted by odour, this is most common during the summer and autumn months.
We began an intensive program of inspections in this region in December 2025. This program’s progress is detailed in the timeline, below.
When issues are identified as part of this program, notices are typically issued. These require those responsible to:
- identify the sources of odour risk by engaging an independent expert
- rank the odour risk sources in regard to impact
- develop a plan to resolve it
- act on that plan.
While this inspection program was running, odour pollution reports from the area significantly increased. Over the past five years, the odour report spike during the warmer months has been falling. This summer has gone against the emerging trend, with the number of odour pollution reports have risen eightfold in January 2026 compared to January 2025.
In response, our:
- officers increased their inspections, including with EPA’s principal odour expert
- air and odour experts analysed weather and other data to guide the inspections program.
Certain weather patterns can affect how the odour impacts surrounding residents. However, we expect industry to control offensive smells at the source.
There are many industrial operations in the Brooklyn, Laverton and Laverton North area. We believe this odour issue relates to more than one of these.
Our unannounced inspections and follow-up visits will continue until this issue is resolved.
Our role
We ensure businesses and individuals understand their environmental impacts and obligations under the Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act). We have a range of tools to ensure everyone meets the requirements of the Act. This includes:
- site inspections
- issuing regulatory notices
- collaborating with law enforcement and other regulators
- other regulatory actions.
We can also issue fines and lay charges. However, our first priority is to prevent harm to the community and environment (including from odours).
Managing impacts on human health and the environment
If you are experiencing unpleasant odours, consider closing all windows and doors. You should reopen them when the odour has passed to clear any residual smell.
Should you experience any health problems, contact:
- your doctor
- Nurse on Call (1300 606 024)
For all emergencies, call 000.
Timeline
Updated