WOOD mulching and composting facility Wood Mulching Industries is seeking approval to continue its outdoor operations for up to four more years while it transitions to an enclosed biogas and composting system.
Wood Mulching Industries (WMI) at Swanbank has lodged a minor change application with Ipswich City Council to extend its existing approval, which dates back to 2011, to allow ongoing use of outdoor composting areas while construction is underway on new enclosed facilities.
The current development approval for WMI’s 45-hectare Swanbank site lapses this month. WMI is proposing to extend that timeframe to 2029.
WMI’s current site management includes landscaped buffer mounds and operating hours between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
The new Ipswich City Plan 2025, which came into effect in July, sets stricter requirements for waste-related industries to avoid impacts on nearby communities.
The Swanbank composter maintained that the temporary extension was consistent with new planning objectives.
WMI also wants to build a concrete batching plant, landscape yard, new internal road, and container recycling facility.
From September 30, 2026, WMI will no longer be permitted to accept high-odour feedstock under its composting licence.
WMI is also progressing key infrastructure works, including connections to the wider Swanbank Eco Park development.
