More than $2.24 million will be invested in environmental, community and fire prevention initiatives after the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) agreed to an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with Opal Packaging Australia Pty Ltd.
The EPA investigated a large fire, which broke out in a wastepaper stockpile at the company's Matraville facility in September 2025. The fire spread to baled wastepaper storage areas and set several vehicles alight.
Executive Director of Field Operations Steve Beaman said the EU would deliver tangible environmental and community benefits while driving improved environmental performance at the facility.
"This was a significant fire that took several days to fully extinguish, highlighting the importance of effective fire safety systems and environmental controls for this type of facility," Mr Beaman said.
"As part of the EU, Opal will contribute $265,000 towards initiatives that deliver benefits to the local environment and community, including a Randwick City Council riparian study and rehabilitation project for the nearby Bunnerong Creek.
"Opal will also be investing in fire prevention, with $1.5 million to fund new fire detection and mitigation measures at the facility and a further $400,000 for operational improvements to reduce fire risk, building on critical changes already implemented by Opal.
"Enforceable undertakings are an important regulatory tool that deliver meaningful environmental outcomes and hold licence holders accountable while also encouraging lasting improvements in operations."
The EPA will monitor Opal's compliance with all commitments under the undertaking and require regular reporting on progress.
