Odours and smells are an unfortunate part of living in any major city. Bad smells such as blocked drains, fumes, compost and rubbish can cause a nuisance to neighbours and, if severe, can also affect people's health.
Smoke can cause a nuisance to neighbours and interfere with their day-to-day life. If severe enough, it can also affect people's health.
To help minimise the health and safety impact of smoke, the City of Melbourne does not allow burning of residential waste or vegetation (burning off) anywhere in the municipality. In addition, all wood-fired heaters must comply with the Building Code of Australia and/or the Australian Standard for wood fired heaters.
Complaints
If you are experiencing undesirable odours coming from a neighbouring property or a public place, you can report the problem to the Health Services Branch on (03) 9658 8831.
An environmental health officer will be assigned to investigate your complaint. You may be required to fill out an odour log sheet for a period of two weeks.
Odour Log Sheet (PDF, 310kb)
If the problem is caused by smoke, fumes, or odours from industry contact the Environment Protection Authority on (03) 9695 2722 or visit EPA Victoria online.
Contacts for odour problems
| Type of inquiry |
Department |
Contact |
| Blocked stormwater drains |
City of Melbourne |
Phone: (03) 9658 9658 (24 hours) |
| Blocked sewers |
City West Water (north of the Yarra River)
|
Freecall 1800 132642 or 13WATER (1392837) |
| South East Water (south of the Yarra River |
Phone: 139283 (24 hours) |
| Smoke, fumes and odour from industry |
EPA Information Centre |
Phone: (03) 9695 2722 |
| Ongoing concerns with smoke, fumes and odour from residential property |
City of Melbourne
Health Services |
Phone: (03) 9658 8831 and (03) 9658 8815 |
| Individual problems with smoke, fumes and odour from residential property |