Odours are a normal part of daily life, but strong or persistent smells can sometimes cause inconvenience or trigger concerns. Sensitivity varies, and while most odours are harmless, they may occasionally affect how people enjoy their surroundings.
Common sources include industrial and commercial activities such as wastewater treatment, composting, landfills, rendering plants, chemical manufacturing, and food production. Agricultural and domestic sources can include piggeries, feedlots, poor waste storage, and pet waste.
Tips for Landholders and Residents
- Maintain open communication with neighbours about activities that may cause odour
- Discuss operations likely to generate odour, such as composting or waste storage
- Consider nearby dwellings when managing waste or agricultural practices
The City of Coffs Harbour promotes a respectful approach to managing odour impacts, encouraging good communication and thoughtful planning to prevent disputes while supporting a balanced approach that respects the rights of businesses and landholders and fosters community wellbeing.
When the City will not investigate
Some odour matters fall outside the City’s jurisdiction and are managed by other authorities:
- NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) – involving licensed industrial premises or operations that may pose a significant environmental or public health risk.
To report industrial or large-scale odour pollution, contact the EPA on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au
- State Government agencies – for odour from public housing or land managed by NPWS, State Forests, or similar
- Managing agents or housing providers – for tenant-related issues such as waste odour from units
- Private resolution - for odour from domestic pets or poor hygiene, which should be addressed directly with the neighbour or managing agent
- England’s Road Waste Management Facility - Reporting Odours - Englands Road Waste Management Facility | City of Coffs Harbour
The City generally does not investigate one-off or short-term odour incidents unless they represent a clear breach of environmental or planning law.
What constitutes offensive odour and when the City may investigate
Offensive odours are generally assessed based on:
- Frequency – how often the odour occurs
- Intensity – the strength of the odour
- Duration – how long it lasts
- Character – how unpleasant it is
- Impact – how many people or properties are affected
The EPA provides an odour tracking sheet: How do I report odours?
The City of Coffs assesses odour complaints under its Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Policy and the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) to ensure a fair and consistent response. We investigate odour issues from restaurants, cafés, takeaway outlets, small-scale commercial operations and waste management practices not regulated by the EPA.
- Potential Risk to Public Health – Odour that is excessive, persistent, or significantly impacts wellbeing or daily living may be considered a public health concern.
- Community Impact (“Community Test”) – Complaints are more likely to be investigated if the odour affects more than three separate households, indicating a broader impact on the surrounding community.
- Private Resolution Has Been Attempted – Residents and landholders are expected to take reasonable steps to resolve the issue informally before contacting the City.
- Similar Complaints Have Been Received – Multiple reports about the same issue may suggest a recurring disturbance that warrants further investigation.
Where appropriate, the City will first seek voluntary compliance through education and communication.