Environmental justice in Australia: Measuring the relationship between industrial odour exposure and community disadvantage

Abstract

Community impact and environmental justice issues are examined across metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, using 2008-2011 self-reported odour complaint data as a direct measure of odour pollution exposure. Differences in pollution exposure and indicators of socio-economic disadvantage were compared across areas using spatial clustering and statistical analyses. Results found that odour affected areas have greater socio-economic disadvantage supporting the existence of environmental justice issues in metropolitan Melbourne. Commonly used buffers of 1km surrounding polluting facilities under-represent odour affected areas. Findings have implications for urban planning and policy in establishi..