New $13.7 million biosolids centre at RMIT announced

Federal funding of $3.9 million was announced on Wednesday to establish the Australian Research Council’s Training Centre for the Transformation of Australia’s Biosolids Resource, headquartered at RMIT University.

According to a statement from federal education minister Dan Tehan, the centre would research methods to better manage and use organic matter from wastewater. This would deliver “new applications and market opportunities” and “cost savings for industry and better results for the environment” as well as impacts in the agribusiness, manufacturing and environmental sectors.

“The centre will also develop a group of highly-trained industry-ready researchers that will develop more sustainable, improved technologies, and enhanced use of biosolids products,” said Tehan.

The ARC centre had combined backing worth $13.7 million from cash and in-kind support, and 20 participating organisations over three countries.

The announcement follows news last month that the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) would provide $6.2 million in funding for a demonstrator plant in Loganholme, Queensland to turn sewage sludge into biogas and biochar products.

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