Barwon Water is making remarkable strides on the Regional Renewable Organics Network (RRON) project. The facility will be strategically located next to the Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant in Connewarre, ensuring optimal integration with existing operations.
The project, which will revolutionise waste management in the region, has reached a significant milestone. Barwon Water recently submitted two key statutory applications.
To develop the site and operate the proposed facility, a planning permit and Development Licence applications have been lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and Environment Protection Authority (EPA), respectively.
Gaining approvals for these applications will pave the way for construction of the innovative facility to begin next year, ahead of commissioning and operation in early 2027.
Barwon Water is partnering with four local councils (Borough of Queenscliffe, City of Greater Geelong, Golden Plains Shire and Surf Coast Shire) on the project.
The proposed Regional Renewable Organics Network facility plans to take local household and commercial organic wastes—like food scraps, garden waste, fats and oils—and biosolids from Black Rock’s Water Reclamation Plant and convert them into digestate and biochar—products that enrich compost and soil and capture carbon. In addition, the facility will produce renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions for our region.
Community feedback is invited on the planning permit and Development Licence applications. Submissions are open until Friday, December 13, 2024. To learn more about the applications and to make a submission, please visit the Engage Victoria website.
Since 2021, three phases of community engagement have been carried out on the project to help inform the design, technical assessments, and approval stages. For further information, please visit the dedicated project webpage.
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