Bachelor star Elora Murger’s interest in Sunshine Coast crematorium business causes dispute with neighbours over fumes

A reality TV star’s unusual business has caused a stir among neighbours, who claim they have been inhaling the ashes of human remains. 

Crematorium business Coastal Cremations moved into an industrial complex on the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane but is accused of producing exhaust smoke.

Former Bachelor contestant Elora Murger is understood to be a director of the business. 

The exhaust from the building owned by the crematorium is understood to be emitting ashes of those cremated inside the facility. 

A business owner next door to the company collected samples of the substance that was emitted, to have the material tested. 

According to the results, the ash was coming from the company’s building and contained forms of organic matter. 

An environmental scientist told A Current Affair, the ash could be the human remains of someone who was cremated or a burnt coffin but further testing is needed to determine where it’s from. 

John Kelly, who owns a shed next to the building, said the roof of his business is covered in ash. 

He told A Current Affair that the smoke that comes out of the building leaves him coughing uncontrollably. 

‘I end up in major coughing fits and dry retching everywhere,’ Mr Kelly said. 

‘I’ve had x-rays… my lungs are inflamed from the fumes and whatever else that’s coming through,’ he said. 

The ashes have fallen onto neighbouring properties, forcing owners to clean up the mess

Dan Mackay, a mechanic who works out of his shop next door to the building, said the stench from the smoke is unbearable. 

He said the toxic fumes make their way into his workshop and leaves dust all over the place. 

‘The ash and everything comes into the workshop and lands all over the cars,’ Mr Mackay said.

John Kelly, who owns a shed next door to Coastal Cremations, said ashes fall onto the roof of his shed after it is let out of the facility’s exhaust on top of the building. 

It’s believed the company is complying with all building regulations, according to Sunshine Coast Council. 

It’s understood the council also gave approval for a second furnace to be built at the facility. 

In a statement, a spokesperson from the council told A Current Affair they are working with the owners of the surrounding properties to address their concerns. 

‘Council has been responding to concerns raised by neighbouring businesses,’ it said. 

‘This has included odour monitoring and liaising with the crematorium operator.’

Ms Murger who is a director of Coastal Cremations, told A Current Affair in a statement the business has ‘all necessary approvals’ to operate the business

‘The crematorium is complying with noise and air quality conditions and environmental performance standards.’ 

Ms Murger told A Current Affair in a statement the company rejects the complaints against the business and that ‘our client obtained all the necessary approvals for the carrying out of cremation services at its current premises’.

‘Any allegations of by-products and odours are completely unfounded,’ she said.