On 25 and 26 August 2005 a fire occurred at the Binary Industries pesticide manufacturing and storage plant located in the Narangba Industrial Estate (NIE). The fire burned for six hours resulting in contamination of the surrounding environment. At the time of the fire, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Scientific Unit attended the site to provide advice on management of the chemical incident.
The NIE contains a wide variety of industries including but not limited to, chemical manufacturers, tanneries, waste disposal facilities, crude oil storage, concrete batching plants, timber chemical treatment plants and an irradiation plant.
The surrounding community has raised concerns over the potential health impacts that may be experienced due to the operations of the estate. In response to these concerns, Queensland Health established the Narangba Health Action Plan. The plan outlines the steps to be taken to addess community concerns, particularly the health issues associated with the Binary Industries fire and the ongoing operation of the NIE. A component of the plan involves conducting a Health Impact Assessment (HIA).
The preparation of the HIA involves working closely with the community, including residents and industry, through the establishment of a Community Reference Group (CRG). The CRG determines, commissions and monitors all studies with the assistance of an independent technical adviser and a health advisory panel.
This project is being conducted by Queensland Health, working in consultation with other Queensland government agencies, the community reference group and industry.
The project methodology has been reviewed by the health advisory panel with all work conducted by external consultancies to ensure independency of the work.
The HIA commenced in late 2006 and should be completed by late 2009. For an update on the progress of the HIA go to Project Updates.
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