Submissions open for Barwon Water’s waste to renewables project

Barwon Water is seeking approval for a renewable project to turn waste into soil enhancers for agriculture. HAVE YOUR SAY

Renders of the Regional Renewable Organics Network (RRON) facility at Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant, Connewarre. Picture: Barwon Water

A proposed new Connewarre facility set to transform waste into renewable resources is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

Barwon Water’s Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant is set to host the Regional Renewable Organics Network (RRON) facility.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Department of Transport and Planning have received applications for a development licence and planning permit after Barwon Water completed three phases of community engagement.

Submissions are open for people to have their say on the project until December 13, before the EPA makes a decision in early 2025 which would allow construction to begin next year.

Renders of the Regional Renewable Organics Network (RRON) facility at Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant, Connewarre. Picture: Barwon Water

The proposed facility will turn organic material, like food scraps and wastewater, into fertiliser-like substances that has been touted as the “key to soil rejuvenation”.

This includes biochar, a lightweight charcoal which promotes soil and plant health, and digestate, a by-product of biogas production that the EPA understands reduces the need for fertilisers.

It is anticipated that the facility would produce up to 5000 tonnes of biochar and 22,000 tonnes of digestate each year, which could be used in agribusiness and manufacturing.

The RRON would also reduce emissions annually by at least 10,000 to 15,000 tonnes – the equivalent of taking 4000 cars off the road – and save 40,000 tonnes of organic waste ending up in landfill.

On top of its environmental impact, the site would create 111 jobs, including 75 in construction and 36 ongoing roles.

Community engagement and planning for the project began in 2021 and key feedback themes included costs, traffic, noise, sound, odour, safety and caring for the environment.

The feedback led to the building being height lowered by 0.84m; adoption of state-of-the-art odour control technologies; a traffic assessment; discussing lowering the speed limit of Black Rock Rd; preference of building colour to blend with the environment; and looking at opportunities to partner with a social enterprise to make the biochar accessible to the community.

Barwon Water has partnered with Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Golden Plains Shire and Surf Coast Shire for the project.

People can make a submission through the Engage Victoria website.

Originally published as Submissions open for Barwon Water’s waste to renewables project