Proposed changes to Queensland’s environmental protection laws will continue to support the local Ipswich community while managing noise, odour and other forms of pollution.

The changes will further strengthen laws to hold companies to account as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the environmental impacts of local industry.

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the proposal followed an independent review into the powers and penalties available under the Environmental Protection Act.

“Companies that impact our local Ipswich community with odours and other forms of pollution need to be held accountable,” Mr McCallum said.

“Companies that are doing the wrong thing by our community and the environment should have the book thrown at them, and we are writing a bigger book.

“I welcome these proposals to better manage environmental risk, and stronger laws to catch and punish corporate waste cheats. I encourage all residents to make their voice heard and provide feedback.”

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said she had long advocated on behalf of the Ipswich electorate for tougher laws to deal with non-compliant waste companies.

“It’s been clear to me for a long time that there are companies who refuse to comply with the regulator and who continue to put profits above people. I welcome the independent review’s recommendations,” Ms Howard said.

“It’s good to see these recommendations will place a greater emphasis on human health as well as an emphasis on prevention by operators rather than reactively waiting for harm to occur, which means it will be harder for odour cheats to get away with breaking the law.”

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said Ipswich communities had rightly had enough of some waste companies doing the wrong thing.

“All local MPs have been advocating strongly to our own government that it is simply not good enough and we need more action, particularly around odour and nuisance complaints in the region,” Ms Mullen said.

“I appreciate the environmental laws governing these waste companies are quite complex, but I’m pleased to see that tougher laws are being proposed that will hold these companies to greater account.”