Councils sign up to green waste plan

LOCAL councils have finalised a deal to send green waste to a new energy hub that will produce renewable electricity and agricultural products.

Barwon Water has signed Waste Supply Agreements with Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Queenscliff and Golden Plains councils for its Regional Renewable Organics Network (RON), which is due to be up and running by mid-2025.

The water authority will build the RON at Connewarre’s Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant, which would process organic waste collected as part of kerbside bin services.

Barwon Water chair Jo Plummer said the new deal was a major step forward for the waste project.

“The Regional RON is a key part of our response to the challenges of climate change and population growth. It has been enabled by new technology and a commitment to playing a leading role in the circular economy,” Ms Plummer said.

The RON will take 40,000 tonnes of organic waste a year once operational.

It would produce 8000 tonnes of agricultural product, such as carbon-retaining soil improver biochar.

It would also save up to 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions through renewable electricity production – equivalent to use of 500 homes.

Geelong councillor Belinda Moloney said the organics facility would support its upcoming food waste collection service, which is currently undergoing a trail ahead of a planned rollout in early 2024.

“At the moment there is no local facility capable of processing enough food waste for us to introduce this service across our entire community. This project will fill that gap, allowing us to remove and recycle around a third of waste from household red bins,” Cr Moloney said.

Surf Coast mayor Libby Stapleton said the RON supported the shire’s suite of carbon reduction targets.

“We hope our leadership in this area inspires organisations and individuals across the shire and the region to switch to renewables and seek sustainable alternatives,” she said.

The state government, which supported the project through funding and a business case, said the RON would help boost a circular economy and tackle climate change.

“Projects like this play an important role in Victoria’s circular economy aims and target of zero emissions, as well as lowering Barwon Water’s production costs, which will help keep water bills down for their customers,” Water Minister Harriet Shing said.

Barwon Water said it would consult further on the project later this year with more detail about how the facility would work.

Construction is due to start late-next year.