The big stink that has plagued Rutherford residents for more than 18 years has vanished.
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Delighted residents of Rutherford Industrial Estate and adjoining suburbs say their lifestyles have vastly improved.
It is all due to a unique partnership – pioneered in Maitland and engineered by Maitland MP Robyn Parker, who was then minister for the environment – that embraced industry, community members and experts from the Environment Protection Authority.
Working together, they sought a resolution to the problems so industries could address odour issues without having to cut jobs or close down because of the costs involved.
Under the banner Rutherford Air Quality Liaison Committee, the group was finally wound up recently, having achieved a first that might be used as a pilot scheme in other states.
It has been several months now since Rutherford people have had to spend their time indoors, unable to venture outside because of the foul odours that resembled burning rubber.
Ramona Cocco, a member of the Committee, said: “Speaking personally, I believe there has been a marked improvement in the air quality at Rutherford and I hope this continues.”
She urged people to continue to ring the EPA with complaints about air quality.
“It is important for people to contact the EPA on 131 555.
“It is only by remaining vigilant that we can ensure the EPA can contiue its work and get rid of the odours permanently,” she said.
The Spotlight store in Rutherford was evacuated in July this year and two people were affected by fumes that leaked into the shop’s air conditioning system.
Manager Jane Warren said earlier this week she was satisfied that action was being taken to rectify the situation.
“We have had no bad odours here since the situation in July and there have been no health issues resulting from that occasion,” she said.
Rutherford resident Mavis Brown said: “The smell over the industrial estate used to be really bad and I wanted to get out and live somewhere else.
“But there has no no smell here for a quite a while now.”
Breanna Morgan said: “We found the odours used to occur mainly at night.
“We had to lock up the house and put on the airconditioner, whatever the weather outside.”
Dellyn Henshaw said: “We only smell the odd barbecue around here now.”
