Mushroom farm operation under a cloud due to strong odours

Costa Group hopes Kwinana Council will create a buffer zone of at least 500m around its site in Casuarina to guarantee its future.

It was issued a health notice by the City in 2012 after nearby residents complained about odours emanating from the farm.

Speaking at Kwinana Council’s special meeting on August 6, Costa’s Trevor Jordan said the company had attempted to reduce odours as part of an environmental management plan but needed a buffer zone to ensure its future.

‘The State Planning Policy for mushroom facilities requires a buffer of one kilometre around mushroom facilities in acknowledgement of the fact that it is a sensitive industry which produces odours,’ he said. ‘Shutting the site down and moving elsewhere is not a realistic option, as a capital investment in the vicinity of $50 to $60 million would be required.’

Mr Jordan said the mushroom farm employed more than 200 people, with about a quarter living in the Kwinana area.

After private deliberations during the meeting, Kwinana chief executive Joanne Abbiss said Costa Group had two months to address apparent issues.