Project and Engagement Planning
June 2020
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Biosolids Strategy
Project Overview
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Overview
Fraser Coast Regional Council with Wide Bay Water (WBW), a business unit of Council, are currently reviewing the biosolids strategy to identify potential alternative reuse options.
As part of the work, they are seeking initial community feedback to develop potential treatment and reuse options.
Updates to the strategy include reviewing:
- Emerging reuse trends
- Recent changes to legislation
- Work undertaken at the treatment plants
Council and WBW, operate four major sewage treatment plants. These are located at Eli Creek, Pulgul, Nikenbah and Aubinville. There are four minor treatment plants located at Toogoom, Burrum Heads, Torbanlea and Howard, with their biosolids directed to one of the major treatment plants for further processing/transport.
How can I be involved?
Council and WBW is in the early stages of reviewing its current Biosolids Strategy, and want to know what you think about the current re-use of biosolids in the region and about its use in the future.
We are currently gathering initial feedback from the community about the current use of biosolids in the region, and future re-use options. You can provide us with your initial feedback by completing the contact form on this page.
Next Steps
Following review of initial community feedback, WBW will undertake a second round of consultation to survey feedback on potential re-use options identified.
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Contact/Enquiry Form (& Register to keep updated)
We are currently gathering initial feedback from the community about the current use of biosolids in the region, and future re-use options. You can provide us with your initial feedback by completing the contact form (click below). You can also register to keep informed about the process as part of this form.
Contact Form
No Record Found.
What are biosolids?
Biosolids are treated sewrage sludge that consist of mainly water and organic compounds. They are an unavoidable by-product in the wastewater treatment process.
Biosolids are collected from the wastewater treatment process and undergo further treatment, prior to re-use. The use of biosolids can depend on the quality and the grade. These uses include application to agricultural land, sporting fields and event community gardens or residential properties.
Click on the image to view the diagram in full resolution.
How are biosolids currently used in the region?
The Australian Water Association highlights that biosolids are often applied as fertiliser or soil conditioner due to their high nutrient value to improve soil structure and water retention capabilities.
The Fraser Coast region currently uses biosolids in the agriculture sector for:
- Pasture (cattle)
- Sugar cane
- Cotton
- Turf farm
- Legumes
- Tree plantations
What are future possible uses for biosolids?
Additional uses aligning with industry, such as co-composting, may be available. Industry groups, research institutes and farmers associations may have a need for this product.
Biosolids can also be used as a source of fuel or energy.
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Initial Community Consultation
June - July 2020
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Review initial findingsJuly - September 2020
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Options identification and assessment
August - September 2020
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Community survey on proposed re-use optionsSeptember - October 2020
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Review community survey results and options analysis
October 2020
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Reporting
October - November 2020
