The Tamworth region is set to benefit from a comprehensive Organics Recycling Facility (ORF), meeting community and agricultural business needs in the region by providing an affordable and sustainable solution for the management of organic wastes.
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said the Council was pleased to be delivering a sustainable solution after the NSW Government mandated the recycling of organic material by 2030.
"Council made a decision to provide a food organics service to the community in 2020 to both improve services and meet NSW Government recycling targets.
"With a state-of-the-art Organics Recycling Facility in the region, we will provide a cost-effective service to the community and support local industry to meet their own business targets too" the Cr Webb added.
Council has been developing an Organics Recycling Facility for some years, receiving planning consent for the Facility at 284 Gidley Appleby Road in September 2020. Council has continued to develop the project in recent years with the aim of both reducing the cost to the community and reducing the impacts to nearby residents.
In July 2024, Council resolved to award a Design and Construct Contract for the Organics Recycling Facility to OREZ, part of the CFC Group of Companies (CFC) and leaders in sustainable waste management solutions. The project negotiations and contract were finalised in November 2024.
Max Bergomi, CEO of OREZ, said "We are honoured to collaborate with Tamworth Regional Council on this landmark project."
"This facility underscores our shared dedication to sustainable waste management and regional environmental goals. By supporting the Council's long-term sustainability strategy with advanced technology and scalable infrastructure, we aim to set a new standard for environmentally responsible waste solutions in regional communities," Mr Bergomi said.
Tamworth Regional Council Director of Water and Waste Bruce Logan said the project was a sensible move to help secure a sustainable future for the region.
"Council staff have been carefully evaluating a range of options to provide this service to ensure the community is provided with a value for money food organics and garden organics (FOGO) service which also provides benefits for agricultural businesses in the region."
"Continuing the project now ensures that Tamworth will benefit from the best possible Organics recycling service by 2027 with financial modelling suggesting there will be no impact upon current waste fees and rates."
The detailed design phase will commence immediately and Council staff will also commence discussion with commercial customers about long term contracts to deliver their organic waste to the new facility. Construction is scheduled to commence by September 2025 subject to meeting Council's financial and performance criteria. Operation is anticipated to commence in early 2027.
The ORF will be funded by a combination of the waste reserve, and a loan which will be repaid within 20 years by the operating revenues of the facility. Council have sought funding from the relevant State and Federal Government Ministers to contribute to the capital cost of constructing the new facility in Tamworth.
