By Afraa Kori
Cardinia Shire Council Officer Ward Cr Samantha-Jane Potter is leading calls for urgent action as foul odours from a sewer pump continue to affect residents near the freeway ramps in Officer.
“I know many of you have been impacted by the occasional strong odour near the freeway ramps,” she shared on social media.
“I want you to know this isn’t a Council-run service, but it’s absolutely something I care about because it affects my own family too. I’m not just your Councillor-I’m your neighbour.”
The odour has been traced to South East Water’s monthly maintenance at the sewer pump well. During these works, opening the lids can cause the smell to “intensify for a day or two”.
While the Council has no control over the infrastructure, Cr Potter lodged a formal complaint with South East Water and has been following up closely.
“In December 2024, they confirmed they’re increasing chemical treatment and designing an upgrade to their odour control system, but no timeline has been shared yet,” she said.
In an email response from South East Water sent to Cr Potter, it was acknowledged that “the presence of odour in this area is known to South East Water”.
“We have incorporated multiple changes to site conditions at our Officer South Sewerage Pumping Station to reduce noticeable odour,” the email stated.
“These changes include reducing the run time per day of the pumping station’s ventilation system and introducing chemical dosing to reduce odour.
“As the above changes did not minimise odour sufficiently to satisfy residents (noticeable odour became irregular, but not eliminated), we have turned off the pumping station’s ventilation system and closed valves on the duct work (12/04/2025).”
If odour is still persistent, they will be exploring other sources of odour not belonging to South East Water in the area and investigating if the odour is still escaping the network from elsewhere.
“We have not received an odour complaint since 10/04/2025 – since the ventilation system was turned off,” the email stated.
Further information on the email highlighted that the ultimate solution is to install air filters to treat air being extracted by the ventilation system (currently off as there is no treatment installed) with an approximate timeline being:
• Temporary filter installation – 6 months
• Final odour control facility – 24 to 36 months
“The final odour control facility has been communicated with residents in the area, but not the interim filters, as an exact date for procurement is yet to be determined.”
Cr Potter is now calling on residents to join her in reporting the issue, as the only way to force change is through a collective approach.
“To keep the pressure on, it’s important Southeast Water hears from all of us,” she said.
“I have personally lodged a complaint on behalf of us all, But it would help if you did too! Every report helps them understand just how far this issue reaches.”
South East Water was approached for comment.
