The Bachelor star Elora Murger’s interest in Sunshine Coast crematorium business sparks dispute with neighbors over fumes
- Crematorium leaves neighbors outraged by toxic fumes
- The facility blows smoke onto neighboring properties
- The company is owned by a former reality TV star
The unusual activity of a reality TV star has caused a stir among neighbors, who claim to have inhaled the ashes of human remains.
Crematorium business Coastal Cremations has moved into an industrial complex on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, but is accused of producing exhaust smoke.
Former Bachelor contestant Elora Murger would be the director of the company.
Former Bachelor star Elora Murger (right) is the manager of a crematorium business based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast which has left owners of nearby properties complaining about the fumes reaching them
It is understood that the exhaust gases from the building belonging to the crematorium emit the ashes of those cremated inside the establishment.
A business owner neighboring the business collected samples of the emitted substance to have the material tested.
According to the results, the ashes came from the company building and contained forms of organic matter.
An environmental scientist told A Current Affair the ashes could be the human remains of a cremated person or a burnt coffin, but more testing is needed to determine where they came from.
John Kelly, owner of a shed next to the building, said the roof of his business was covered in ash.
He said A current case that the smoke coming out of the building makes him cough uncontrollably.
“I end up with severe coughing fits and dry retches all over,” Mr Kelly said.
“I had x-rays…my lungs are inflamed from the fumes and everything that comes out of it,” he said.
Ashes fell on neighboring properties, forcing owners to clean up the mess.
Dan Mackay, a mechanic who works in his shop next door to the building, said the stench of smoke was unbearable.
He said the toxic fumes seeped into his workshop and left dust everywhere.
“The ashes and everything else go into the workshop and land all over the cars,” Mr Mackay said.
John Kelly, who owns a shed next to Coastal Cremations, said the ashes fell on the roof of his shed after being vented through the facility’s exhaust at the top of the building.
The company is believed to meet all building regulations, according to the Sunshine Coast Council.
It is understood that the council has also approved the construction of a second furnace at the facility.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the council told A Current Affair it was working with owners of surrounding properties to address their concerns.
“The Council has responded to concerns raised by neighboring businesses,” he said.
“This includes monitoring odors and liaising with the crematorium operator.”
Ms Murger, director of Coastal Cremations, told A Current Affair in a statement that the company has “all necessary approvals” to operate the business.
“The crematorium meets noise, air quality and environmental performance standards.”
Ms Murger told A Current Affair in a statement that the company was rejecting the claims against the business and that “our client has obtained all necessary permits for the performance of cremation services at their current premises.”
“Any claims of by-products and odors are completely unfounded,” she said.
