Council Welcomes Court Outcome Following Community Odour Concerns

Published on 03 March 2026

Snowy Valleys Council has welcomed the outcome of recent proceedings brought to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in relation to the 2023 Tumut Odour Issues.

Mayor Julia Ham said for many in the community, the odour issue was more than regulatory language; it affected daily life, comfort and wellbeing.

“I am pleased to see this matter finalised through the Court and to see accountability applied under the law,” Mayor Ham said. “Our community experienced significant disruption during this period, and residents rightly expected that their concerns would be taken seriously.

“While we cannot undo the disruption experienced, I’d like to express our thanks to the EPA for pursuing the matter through the courts. This outcome reinforces that environmental standards exist to protect people and that there are consequences when those standards are breached.”

At the hearing, Tumut Waste Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to two environmental offences relating to offensive odour emissions and a breach of leachate management licence conditions. The Land and Environment Court of NSW imposed a $270,000 penalty, ordered $250,000 in legal costs, and issued additional orders including payments to the Environmental Trust and public notification requirements.

Mayor Ham said that throughout the investigation and prosecution process, Council supported residents and Valmar staff by documenting complaints, facilitating communication with the EPA and advocating for timely regulatory action.

“I want to acknowledge the Council staff and Councillors whose work was central to the successful prosecution. Council’s role has been to stand alongside our community, to ensure concerns were properly escalated and to work constructively with the regulator,” Mayor Ham concluded.

Council will continue to work with the EPA and relevant authorities to monitor continued compliance at the site and ensure appropriate safeguards remain in place to protect the health, amenity and liveability of the community.

-ENDS-