Pendle Hill and Toongabbie residents are kicking up a stink, as an unauthorised pet food factory’s pungent smell takes over the area.
Matt Chalmers is one of the residents who lives on Burrabogee Road, directly across from the industrial estate, where ‘Yummi Pet Food Products’ currently operates.
As it stands, the company only has City of Parramatta Council approval to operate its warehouse for storage purposes, however, it is allegedly manufacturing pet food on site, with a foul, rotten odour emitting from the building.
Following significant efforts from local residents, Council officers agreed to investigate the facility and did so in December last year – confirming the premises were being used for unauthorised manufacturing.
In an effort to cease operations, Council issued the company with an official stop work order, to take effect by March 12.
Following an inspection, it was revealed this was ignored and the company was subsequently hit with a $6000 fine. Now, the Council has issued a notice of intention for a second order but Parra News can confirm the company is still continuing to manufacture products on site.
Mr Chalmers said residents are at their “wits’ end” and that the smell is ruining their quality of life.
“It’s put our whole life on hold, we wanted to renovate our house last year but if they get Development Application (DA) approval to run this, the value of my home will go down significantly,” he said.
“I’ve got young kids who can’t play outside anymore, we can’t open windows or doors for a breeze; it just smells like rotten meat.”
Mr Chalmers first reported the smell in June last year.
Parramatta Ward Councillor, Sameer Pandey, who has been assisting residents with their concerns, witnessed the smell himself and says he “feels for them”.
He is concerned for potential loopholes in the system that could prevent Council from taking regulatory action.
“They have put a DA request in but once a DA is accepted by the Council, regulatory actions have to be ceased while that is being assessed, which is ridiculous,” he said.
A spokesperson from the City of Parramatta Council said they are considering the next course of action, if the second order is ignored.
“Council is committed to ensuring the amenity for local residents is not negatively impacted,” the spokesperson said.
Council are now reviewing the submitted DA to ensure all relevant information has been provided for lodgement.
Yummi Pet Food Products was contacted for comment but did not respond.
View the residents’ petition here: https://bit.ly/31gAz3k.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.