A new program converting household sewage and green waste into biochar is to be trialled in Wangaratta. If successful, the trial could lead to a new facility and the creation of jobs for the region.
Harriet Shing, Minister for Water, launched the trial in Wangaratta on Friday, alongside North East Water and the Rural City of Wangaratta. Gippsland Water and the Intelligent Water Network are project partners in the trial.
Biosolids from Wangaratta’s wastewater treatment plant will be mixed with the city’s green waste then processed into biochar in Melbourne. The carbon-rich form of charcoal is used to improve soil health and boost agricultural productivity.
If the Wangaratta waste streams are proven to be suitable during the trial, a local facility will be considered to process large volumes of biochar for possible use on the region’s farmland with the potential to generate jobs for the region.
The trial will also inform the planned expansion of Gippsland Water’s organics recycling business at Dutson Downs, one of the largest circular economy operations in Victoria.
North East Water, Gippsland Water and the Intelligent Water Network will invest $160,000 in the first stage of the trial with the Rural City of Wangaratta.
“The Biochar trial opens major opportunities for the circular economy and the wider water sector,” Shing said. “If successful, it could be adopted by others to convert waste into an environmentally friendly and valuable commodity.”
Jaclyn Symes, Member for Northern Victoria, said the trial is a great use of resources and could open great opportunities for further investment and job creation in North East Victoria.
The trial has the potential to capture thousands of tonnes of carbon annually to offset emissions and also create a high strength carbon rich soil enhancer for agricultural purposes, according to Jo Murdoch, North East Water Managing Director.
Dean Rees, Mayor, Rural City of Wangaratta, said the trial is an exciting project and again demonstrates the council’s commitment to innovation in the waste management space and follows the success of an organics processing facility at Bowser.
For more information, visit: www:premier.vic.gov.au
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