The University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) will soon to be turning liquid wastes into bioproducts at its Centre for Agricultural Engineering (CAE) after securing $50,000 through the Palaszczuk Government's $5 million Waste to Biofutures Fund (W2B Fund).
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the work being conducted at the CAE in Toowoomba was yet another example of Queensland researchers leading the way when it came to bio innovation.
"USQ will use this grant to continue investigating ways to convert liquid waste into biofertilisers, with the long-term goal to create technology that farmers can use and create new revenue streams from," Mr Dick said.
"This includes the design and construction of a granulator that converts biosolids and organic residues into a fertiliser containing both organic and mineral components that can be applied using standard farm equipment."
"The project is expected to take two years to complete, and with Toowoomba businesses being engaged to design and supply the prototype equipment the work being undertaken will really contribute to the local economy.
"USQ and the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre will also contribute $25,000 each to the project, which is a great example of collaboration within our bio space between academia, industry and government."
USQ Principal Scientist Professor Bernadette McCabe said the university's CAE Precinct was home to laboratories, glasshouses, netted and irrigated crop facilities where field research was undertaken, with a wheat trial currently being conducted on its Toowoomba agricultural plot campus using biofertilisers.
"The Queensland Government's support allows USQ to create a piece of equipment that can be used across industry and farms," Prof. McCabe said.
"It will not only help with the recycling of organic waste but will also create a product that can be sold as an additional source of revenue
"Additionally, this funding means we can look at developing a bio fertiliser made from organic waste with optimal chemical and physical properties to ensure acceptability by famers and secure the agricultural route for disposal.
"It's about helping the environment and helping farmers and will assist in not only food security but also nutrient security."
Mr Dick said the first tranche of W2B funding will see $1.9 million awarded to six organisations, an investment that's generating more than $22 million in collective project value.
"Around 85 jobs will be created during construction and operation of the projects, which will lead to greater bio innovation in our state," he said.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating a $1 billion sustainable and export-oriented industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector here in Queensland that promotes investment and supports jobs."
