Major expansion underway to boost composting in Gippsland

The Allan Labor Government is supporting a major expansion at Gippsland Regional Organics that will increase the facility's capacity to recycle organic material into compost.

The $12.2 million project to upgrade Gippsland Water’s waste treatment and composting facility received a combined $4.8 million in funding through the Allan Labor Government’s Circular Economy Organics Sector Transformation Fund and the Australian Government’s Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund.

Upgrades include the construction of new composting hardstands that will boost Gippsland Regional Organics’ processing capacity from 180,000 to an impressive 250,000 tonnes, with expansion works to enable the facility to recycle more organic materials while boosting its compost manufacturing capabilities.

This project will help cut emissions by diverting additional organic waste from landfill, supporting Victoria’s progress towards the target of diverting 80 per cent of all waste away from landfill by 2030 as part of the Labor Government’s record $515 million investment to transform the state’s waste and recycling system.

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today toured the construction site at Dutson Downs with Gippsland Water Managing Director Sarah Cumming, members of the project team, and Gippsland Regional Organics staff.

Gippsland Regional Organics expansion project has already created 33 jobs as part of the construction process, with eight new positions to be created at the facility once works are completed.  

The expansion is on track to be completed by December this year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing

“Projects like this are crucial for the development of a thriving circular economy and a cleaner, greener Victoria."

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh

“Dutson Downs is an incredible example of being smart with waste and keeping water bills down.” 

“It's great we can do all this while creating jobs and driving down emissions.” 

“This project nearly doubles the volume of organic waste being turned into valuable product for agriculture and construction.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria Raff Ciccone

“Tackling food and organic waste is a top priority for the Australian Government. It’s also a significant part of Australia’s transition to a circular economy and achieving net zero, where our food and organic material never creates waste.”

“That’s why the Australian Government is developing a new National Circular Economy Framework that will guide Australia’s transition to a circular economy.”

Quotes attributable to Managing Director Gippsland Water Sarah Cumming

“We’re working to combat the impacts of climate change on our operations and infrastructure. This expansion will boost our ability to support the government’s emissions and recycling targets.”

“We’re passionate about providing people with job opportunities on their doorstep, by expanding Gippsland Regional Organics we’ll be able to offer more local opportunities."