Frequently Asked Questions
When will the rendering operations be moved from Northern Heights to TFI’s new Pallamana facility?
Thomas Foods has 10 years to complete all stages of the development at Pallamana from the date of development approval (June 2020). A new rendering plant and composting facility will be constructed in a future stage of development, however the exact timeframe for this is still to be determined.
What is the best way to lodge an environmental report about a TFI facility?
Please contact the EPA via YourEPA and provide detailed information regarding the issue and the conditions at the time.
The EPA also encourages community members to contact TFI directly, as this can reduce any delay in TFI becoming aware of complaints and can lead to faster resolution of an issue.
How can I report odour impacts to the EPA?
If you are experiencing significant impacts, please visit our odour management page for more information about the EPA’s regulation of odour. Residents can lodge odour reports through the EPA’s online reporting portal or by completing a hard copy odour diary.
What is the EPA doing to manage odour impacts from TFI’s facilities?
The EPA is aware of issues to do with odour generated by TFI’s Northern Heights facility affecting the local community. The EPA’s response has included regular meetings with TFI, extensive monitoring campaigns in the community and increased site inspection activity. Their EPA Licence requires actions to minimise odour emissions from the site, including the management and maintenance of a biofilter and a wet scrubber to treat the key odour sources. In July 2024, the EPA updated the conditions of TFI’s Northern Heights licence to require further comprehensive whole of site assessment work and the development of an Environment Improvement Program.
Where can I find out more about TFI’s licence conditions?
TFI is required to meet various conditions for each of its licensed facilities. The licence conditions describe the individual requirements that must be met for each facility. TFI licences can be found on the EPA’s Public Register.