As a local resident of the Smythesdale area, I would like to say that the story is a continuing saga, but there is a bigger problem than the rubbish and that is the repulsive odour (methane gas) which is smelled all too often.

These odours have been a problem for the last six years and have had a major impact on our health and lifestyle.

It has been a constant struggle with the City of Ballarat to have this problem rectified. As well, they say they are closing everything possible to eliminate the causes, but we are the ones enduring it.

The council of Golden Plains and its councillors have been supporting us during this period, but other agencies, such as the EPA, have been missing in action when needed.

I can assure you that residents of Ballarat have little or no idea that we live with these problems on a daily basis and have had enough.

When will it end?

How long should we be exposed to these gases?

How long should a health hazard be permitted to operate, when outside the conditions of their permit/license?

Smythesdale appears to be the dumping ground for everyone else's garbage. Truck loads of dead and rotting animals that other landfills won't accept.

It's way past time that these issues were addressed. We want our life back!