Ipswich in south-east Queensland, an area with a history of receiving waste from across Australia, is currently experiencing concerns from residents regarding the storage of ferronickel slag. Jackie Moon Property Corporation, a subsidiary of Pacific Green Industries, has been importing and storing this material from overseas, reportedly from New Caledonia, at a site in Tivoli.
Regulatory Actions and Resident Concerns
Last year, the Ipswich City Council issued a show cause notice to Jackie Moon Property Corporation. The notice stated the Council's belief that a "development offence" had occurred, citing the use of the premises for storing heavy vehicles and a stockpile of nickel ferrite slag. The company also received a fine, though the amount remains undisclosed.
Local resident Scott Hendry, whose property neighbors the storage site, expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts, as well as noise and dust affecting nearby homes. Hendry noted that operations reportedly began without necessary council approvals, leading to a lack of trust among residents.
Company's Position on the Material
A spokesperson for Pacific Green Industries stated that the ferronickel slag is both "government-approved and non-hazardous." They explained that the material is classified by both Australian Federal and Queensland Governments as an environmentally friendly resource. The company indicated it has been safely used globally in construction applications like bricks, blocks, and concrete sleepers for decades. It is presented as a 100% recycled product offering a high-performing, low-carbon alternative to natural sand, aiming to reduce the need for sand mining and quarrying.
Ongoing Assessment and Broader Issues
The Ipswich City Council confirmed it is assessing a development application submitted by the company's subsidiary for the site, which is intended for bulk material storage and redistribution, not as a landfill. The Council has requested additional information from the applicant, and a public notification period will follow, with the assessment process potentially taking at least 12 months.
Danielle Mutton, a local advocate, highlighted this situation as an example of waste industry businesses taking Ipswich residents for granted. She referenced a government report from the previous year, which indicated that landfills receiving waste from around the country were impacting residents' health. Mutton advocated for stronger fines for non-compliance, noting a perceived lack of adequate dust suppression for existing slag stockpiles. A Pacific Green Industries spokesperson affirmed their commitment to responsible material handling, noting the current stockpile is temporary, with an expected on-site duration of 12 to 18 months, and that robust environmental safeguards are in place.