Traditional Owners will collaborate with Victoria University researchers on sustainable water and waste schemes at an innovative new hub, funded by the Victorian Government.
Higher Education Minister Gayle Tierney was joined by Treasurer and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas in launching the $7 million Sustainable Futures Innovation Hub at the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre in Werribee.
The Hub is a program of research projects aimed at advancing waste reduction, sustainable water resources and the circular economy through research focused on responsible consumption and production practices.
“The Hub will provide a home for sustainable innovation, opportunities to collaborate across research, industry and the community and ultimately bolster our economy,” Pallas said.
Researchers and student interns will collaborate with Wadawurrung, Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung people and the local community through Next Generation Water Management to learn how to catch, store and use water from the new Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre, as well as observing the local river system to help inform future development and infrastructure projects.
The Hub will also be a place for the research and development of responsible packaging, for example bio-packaging created from agricultural waste and by-products, and practical strategies to reduce supply-chain hazards that drive protective packaging demand.
Additionally, the hub will focus on innovative construction using recycled materials, such as the development of contemporary solutions that use recycled glass, plastic and demolition waste for pavements and house foundations to improve the engineering properties and performance on reactive soils in Melbourne’s west.
Researchers hope to deliver smart-tech solutions to help with the transition of the construction industry, for example cost-effective tools for quality control, health and safety inspections during building rectification works.
The Victorian Government contributed $4.9 million to the project in a joint effort by Victoria University, with in-kind contributions from research partners.
“This is a unique and exciting opportunity to work with the Victorian Government and our partners in the west and beyond to create a brighter future – using sustainable solutions to complex problems,” Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said.
The hub is one of many pitches from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which was developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.
“This is exactly the type of project that we are proud to support as part of our record investment in the skills and training sector – ensuring Victoria emerges even stronger from the pandemic,” Tierney said.
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- Melbourne opens Circular Economy Innovation Grants
- UNSW to lead new government research hub on waste
- VIC launches $7M Recycling Innovation Centre