Fish farm being investigated by Dept of Environment

Douglas Fish Farm Stench

Bryan Littlely

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The Mainstream Aquaculture fish farm between Port Douglas and Mossman is being monitored by the Dept of Environment as work continues to try to manage odour pollution. Picture: Bryan Littlely
A stench has been coming from the Mainstream Aquaculture farm for almost two weeks. Picture: Bryan Littlely

Outraged residents are calling for an explanation from Mainstream Aquaculture and Douglas Shire Council over the putrid rotting fish smell coming from the Cook Highway facility.

While Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation investigates the nuisance odour, outspoken nearby resident Richard Potter has demanded assurances be given that contingency plans are in place should the farm have another fish die off.

And he wants the site cleaned up, saying it no longer met the standards under which it was given planning approval.

“Imagine if that smell was from a facility in Port Douglas… would they put up with it for two weeks, driving the tourists out of town?” Mr Potter said.

“This is a major factory farm facility in a tropical tourism location, they have to me made to have better procedures in place to protect the tourism industry here.

“I’m concerned about the tourists going by in buses up to Mossman Gorge and the Daintree and their ever lasting memory of this place is that stench.’’

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said environmental officers first inspected the Mainstream Aquaculture facility last week following community concerns about nuisance odour.

“We are engaging with the operator to ensure they take action to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,’’ the spokesperson said.

“A further site inspection to assess the actions being undertaken by the operator will be carried out by environmental officers today (Wednesday, November 6).

“We will ensure the operator meets their environmental requirements and the reported odour issues are resolved.’’

Mr Potter said he expected Douglas Shire Council to play a more active role in remediating the issue, and the operators to show more concern for the local environment and residents.

“The state of the plant screening of the farm is not to the standard it should be and was meant to be,’’ he said.

“The trees are all dying off and we’re left looking at a chainmesh fence… the place looks like the entrance to a dump.’’

Residents and members of the public are being encouraged to report directly to the Department’s pollution hotline by calling 1300 130 372 or online.

Gaye Ferguson joined dozens of people in making comment on social media or direct to Newsport.

“I just drove past the fish farm on my way home. The smell is atrocious,’’ Ms Ferguson said in a letter to the Editor.

“What is going on in that farm? Are all the fish dead? It smells like it.  

“At times it wafts into my house. Very unpleasant!”

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