Greensill Farming Group has begun construction of its Green Solutions Wide Bay composting facility with “ground breaking” of the site earlier this week.
On completion later this year, Green Solutions Wide Bay will be a state-of-the-art open windrow composting facility, providing a free and convenient green waste drop-off and disposal site.
Greensill chief executive Damien Botha said the exciting opportunity had broad community support and would deliver exciting benefits.
“The organic compost created onsite will be used to support the farming and horticultural operations of Greensill Farming Group,” Mr Botha said.
“As an environmentally focused company, we are continuously seeking innovative processes and actions to minimise the carbon footprint and provide a range of positive environmental benefits through our ongoing farming operations.
“It’s a very rewarding project for the team at large.’’
The company's executive director Peter Greensill said composting green waste materials creates a valuable soil enhancer.
“It replenishes depleted soils, protects against erosion and aids water retention and efficiency, and where possible replaces synthetic fertilisers,” he said.
“Utilising green waste flows within our region and converting these materials into organic compost is an integral step towards supporting our commitment to sustainable farming practices.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said it's a fantastic project.
“The Council is committed to the local environment and this project will see local green waste used for further economic purposes,” he said.
“It’s a great example of opportunities in the green economy that Bundaberg has to offer.”
Divisional councillor and waste and recycling portfolio holder, Cr Tanya McLoughlin, welcomed the initiative.
“I’m really pleased to see the work Greensill Farming Group are doing to establish this innovative green waste facility in Division 6,” she said.
“Greensill Farming Group are leading the way in deploying sustainable agricultural practices and when this facility is operating it will provide an opportunity for much more green waste from across our region to be converted into organic compost.
“This is a really important step to a sustainable future for our coastal communities and Bundaberg as a whole.
“I’m looking forward to seeing it up and running.”
Infrastructure work for the project includes road upgrades and the construction of a compacted pad for laydown area, sheds, an office building, new machinery and equipment to run the entire operation.
Green Solutions Wide Bay will officially open to the wider community in early 2021.
