Environmental Order Issued to Meat Processor
Norganic Proteins, a meat rendering plant located in Landsborough, Queensland, has been issued an Environmental Enforcement Order by the Department of Environment. The order, dated March 12, instructs the company to address persistent and strongly offensive odors emanating from its facility. This action follows multiple complaints from residents and site visits by compliance officers in late 2025 and early 2026.
During these visits, odors were consistently experienced and described as "strongly offensive and of strong intensity."
Persistent Odors Plague Landsborough Residents
Residents living near the plant, which processes meat byproducts for products such as dog food, have reported a pervasive smell. The odor is often described as resembling boiling meat, sometimes mixed with burning hair or septic odors.
One resident, Dave Szabo, who moved into the area in December, reported having to keep windows closed and purchasing air conditioning due to the smell.
Norganic Proteins has operated at the site since 2018. The company received a protection order in 2022, with departmental records indicating odor concerns dating back to its early operation.
Company Acknowledges Problem, Smells Continue
In November 2025, Norganic Proteins publicly acknowledged the issue, posting an apology in a local Facebook group. The company stated it had installed new filtration systems and adjusted its processes to mitigate the problem. However, residents have indicated that despite these efforts, the smells have continued.
Szabo suggested that the character of Landsborough is changing, with increased residential development and rising property values, making the location of a meat rendering plant near residential areas less suitable.
He emphasized that the concern is with the odor, not the business itself.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Should Norganic Proteins fail to comply with the enforcement order, the consequences are significant.
The maximum penalties include five years’ imprisonment or a $276,000 fine.