BARWON Water has made significant progress on the Regional Renewable Organics Network (RRON) project.

The proposed facility is set to be situated adjacent to the Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant in Connewarre.

The project, which will revolutionise waste management in the region, has reached a significant milestone with Barwon Water recently submitting two key statutory applications.

A planning permit and development licence applications have been lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and Environment Protection Authority (EPA) respectively to develop the site and operate the proposed facility.

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 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 these into digestate and biochar – products that enrich compost, soil and capture carbon.

In addition, the facility will produce renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions for the region.

Community feedback is invited on the planning permit and development licence applications.

Submissions are open until Friday 13 December 2024.

To learn more about the applications and to make a submission please visit the Engage Victoria website.

Three phases of community engagement have been carried out on the project since 2021, to help inform the design, technical assessments and approval stages.