The operators and landholders of the Botany Industrial Park (BIP) – including Qenos Group (subject to Deed of Company Arrangement) (Qenos), Orica, Indorama, and IXOM – are working together as Qenos safely ceases operations and prepares the site at 16–20B Beauchamp Road for future industrial use.
In line with our longstanding commitment to transparent and positive engagement, BIP operators are dedicated to keeping the community informed as work continues at the site.
ESR Australia & NZ (ESR) has produced a community newsletter (please see the link below) which provides more information on upcoming demolition works and ESR’s plans to submit a Development Application (DA) to Bayside Council for remediation works at the site. These works are a key step in making sure the site is safe, secure, and ready for future industrial purposes.
ESR Australia Qenos Botany Newsletter October 2025
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
ESR is preparing for its Development Application (DA) for remediation works to be submitted to Bayside Council in early November 2025.
- The application is aligned with the demolition staging, including:
- Removing in-ground foundations and services
- Removing vegetation where required
- Remediating contaminated soils to restore the land to a safe condition for future industrial purposes
There is no new construction proposed at this stage; any future development will follow a separate planning process with further community consultation.
WHAT IS REMEDIATION AND WHY IS REMEDIATION NEEDED?
Due to historic industrial activity at the site, environmental investigations at the site have identified contaminated soils with chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs), petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and asbestos.
Remediation safely treats and neutralises contaminants or removes these off-site, restoring the land and ensure it is safe for new developments while addressing any environmental and health risks.
The goal is to restore the land so it is ready for future development.
Initial assessments of the site and safety measures
As part of the remediation process, ESR has commissioned several technical assessments and studies to support the application Bayside Council.
These studies are done to assess impacts and outline recommended mitigation measures for any identified impacts. These studies include:
- Detailed site investigations and a Remediation Action Plan for managing contaminated materials
- Assessments of health risks to people and how materials are safely contained
- Identification of all hazardous materials involved in the works
- Evaluation of potential effects on surface water and groundwater
- Flood assessments for the site and surrounding areas
- Guidance on safe storage, treatment, transport, and disposal of waste
- Air quality and odour monitoring.
- Potential noise and traffic impacts on the surrounding community.
Initial findings from the site studies are encouraging. They show that any contamination can be safely managed through the carefully designed Remediation Action Plan, which meets all NSW EPA requirements and follows the highest environmental and safety standards.
These studies will be made available for the community to review once Council places the proposal on public exhibition. Council will notify the local community when the exhibition begins, and the community will be formally invited to provide feedback.
More detailed information on the Demolition Management Plan and the Remediation Action Plan can be found on the project website:
www.botanyindustrialpark.com.au/updatesalerts
What is PFAS?
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that have been used since the 1950s to make everyday products resistant to heat, stains, grease, and water. They are used around the world and are of concern because they take a long time to break down, both in the environment and in the human body. Further information on the Australian Government’s response to PFAS, including information on site investigations, health advice and links to relevant government departments can be found here.
What Are CHCs?
Chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) are man-made chemicals once widely used in solvents, cleaning agents, and pesticides. They can persist in soil and groundwater for many years and spread from where they were originally used. You can find out more information on CHCs here.
What Are PHCs?
Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are chemicals found in fuels, oils, and other petroleum-based products. They can enter soil and groundwater through spills, leaks, or poor disposal practices. You can find more information on PHCs here.
Mitigating impacts on our neighbours
If the proposal is approved, ESR will prepare a Remediation Action Plan to manage any impacts during remediation works. During remediation, best-practice measures will be in place to restrict and minimise impacts on surrounding businesses and properties.
Community information and feedback
ESR is committed to keeping the surrounding community informed as the remediation proposal progresses, including opportunities to provide feedback.
ESR has appointed independent consultants, Urbis, to manage community and stakeholder engagement and consultation.
To provide your feedback or ask questions you can contact us directly:
botanyindustrialpark.com.au/contact-us
1800 025 138
engagement@urbis.com.au
You can also contact us to register your interest for future consultation events.