Colac Otway Shire Mayor Cr Jason Schram has praised two major local businesses, Barwon Water and the State Government on an exciting, innovative and sustainable joint initiative which is set to create jobs and generate renewable energy.
"Colac Otway is proud to have partnered with the Australian Lamb Company, Bulla, Barwon Water and other Councils in the G21 region on developing a Renewable Organics Network," Cr Schram said.
"The dynamic project for Colac, referred to previously as Colac WEB, will turn organic waste from ALC and Bulla into renewable energy, hot water and soil enhancers for agricultural purposes.
"Council has advocated strongly for this renewable energy initiative, which will be an Australian first that will also share hot water back to ALC.
"Jobs in construction of the facility at Colac Water Reclamation Plant, ongoing jobs and the security it provides these major local employers is incredibly significant for our community.
"From an environmental and sustainability perspective, this project will generate enough energy to reduce Barwon Water's energy demand by 20 per cent and provide enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1000 homes.
"The network will produce the same amount of gas that 350 households would use, reduce CO2 emissions by 6,300 tonnes a year and assist Barwon Water's emissions target to be 100% renewable by 2025," Cr Schram said.
"This project provides a massive boost to our industries, our community and our environment, and this stage of the network could be just the beginning.
"There is potential for this initiative to be rolled out across other local industries and Council has signed an MoU to be part of this innovative project that could result in Council saving on green waste disposal costs and accessing cheaper electricity in the future.
"Colac Otway Shire looks forward to continuing to forge strong partnerships with our local businesses and industries, regional councils and external agencies."
