Innovation driving circular economy

The Tasmanian Government has thrown its support behind the proposed Westbury BioHub Project, announcing an investment of up to $12.5 million, ensuring Tasmania’s circular economy continues to grow.

The project - which aims to convert up to 36,000 tonnes of organic waste into renewable gas and organic fertiliser - is an important part of the Government’s Northern Economic Plan and will deliver economic benefits, particularly across the agriculture, aquaculture and transport industries.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Guy Barnett, said the Westbury BioHub by Solstice Energy Tasmania has the potential to become a first-of-its-kind circular economy project for northern Tasmania.

“Turning organic waste material from nearby primary producers into renewable gas supports Tasmania’s renewable energy future, while the remaining material could be used as an organic fertiliser by our farmers,” Minister Barnett said.

“Finding new ways to recover value from organic by-products generated by Tasmanian industry helps strengthen our circular economy, supports regional investment and creates new economic opportunities.”

“Projects like this are the kind of practical initiatives the Tasmanian Government wants to support. While we’re not yet providing funding, our conditional commitment gives the proponents the confidence to progress to the next stage while making clear the requirements that still need to be met.”

Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board Chair Pam Allan said significant assessment of the proposal tested the project’s commercial model, environmental considerations, outputs and more.

“Recovering value from by-products and residue materials is a priority for the Board and is an important part of building a sustainable future for Tasmania’s transition to a circular economy,” Ms Allan said.

“Innovation can turn challenges into opportunities. This project presents an opportunity to improve resource recovery outcomes and has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for industry and the community.”

The project is proposed for the Valley Central Industrial Precinct at Westbury, central to a strong agricultural and food-producing region with good access to transport and gas infrastructure.