Compost created right here in Goulburn from residents' recycled organic waste will be launched for sale next weekend at the Goulburn Waste Management Centre.
Growing Abilities Goulburn will be the first organisation to use Council's newly created compost product, with the first batch dropped off last week, while Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and Mayor Bob Kirk undertook a site visit to learn the process this week.
"The project has been a long journey, beginning with the rollout of green bins, and then construction of an organic waste pad, and the continual effort where staff have refined our processes to end up with the compost we have now" said Mayor Bob Kirk.
"It was great to join Wendy to learn more about the process, as well as Growing Abilities last week where the first batch of our compost will be utilised. It has been a long journey for Council, and staff put countless hours into our processes to create a saleable product."
Mrs Tuckerman said it was fantastic to see the grant in action which contributed to purchasing the site's compost pads, leachate dam and haul road, as well as a new loader.
"The project was made possible by $392,063 being awarded from Environmental Trust as part of the NSW Environment Protection Authority's Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.
"I commend the staff on the ground - particularly Sam Morris and Marina Hollands, who have shown tremendous enthusiasm and expertise - to bring the end product to fruition. It has been a remarkable amount of work for Council from building the infrastructure to systematic testing, community education and handpicking any contamination from the trucks, they deserve the praise for a job well done.
Kirstie Chalker, Growing Abilities Goulburn's horticulturist, was excited to be the first organisation to be utilising the compost.
"We are a not for profit wholesale and retail nursery. Growing a variety of native and exotic plants, trees, native tube stock, berries, herbs and veggies. We grow everything ourselves on site in Goulburn, so you can be assured it will survive our harsh local climate."
"We run on the smell of an oily rag and survive on plant sales, philanthropy and the odd grant. So if you have any spare time or resources to contribute, you'd be most welcome to join us. Also we can provide services for anyone with an NDIS package. At the very least, come and buy a plant or 2 and help to spread the word about this great community run organisation."
Due to the successful rollout of green bins, and the response of our community, Council has now commenced procurement for a machine to screen compost.
$392,063 was received through the NSW Government Waste Less Recycle More Program for Organic Recycling Infrastructure Upgrades, with this amount being matched by Council. $549,630 was also received through this program in 2018 for the rollout of green organic waste bins. These grants are provided through the NSW EPA, and is funded through the waste levy.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council's compost will be available for sale from the Goulburn Waste Management Centre from the 20th March between 10am – 2pm, for $20 a trailer load, or $90 per tonne.
