Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today visited Gibsons Groundspread, a fertiliser spreading company, to launch Victoria’s first-ever automated compost and fertiliser blending system.

Supported by the Andrews Government through a $300,000 grant, the new infrastructure will be capable of blending up to 100,000 tonnes of compost and fertiliser per year which will facilitate a stronger market for the recovery of compost products in Gippsland.

Organic waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, causing significant environmental, human and animal health impacts.

Each year, Victorians generate more than two million tonnes of organic waste, with almost half of that ending up in landfill.

This unique and innovative project has created demand in the agricultural market for recycled organic products, reducing large volumes of greenhouse gasses and harmful impacts on the environment.

This project has also contributed to Victoria’s employment economy, creating 12 new jobs within the Gippsland community.

Sustainability Victoria has recently completed research to demonstrate the appropriateness and applicability of recycled organic composts, soil conditioners and mulches and to improve the design, execution and consistency of demonstration field trials.

The 2014/15 research report provides evidence within each of the key farming markets investigated (market gardening, broadacre cropping, viticulture, orchards and pasture) demonstrating either higher yields or better quality crops and identifying improvements to soil structure.

Research and demonstration trials have shown that there are a number of benefits to the agriculture industry from the application of compost products including increasing microorganisms in soil, improving soil structure and water holding capacity and increasing organic matter in soil. Blending compost with fertiliser and other products results in better nutrient balances.

For more information visit the Sustainability Victoria website – www.sustainability.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing MLC, Member for Eastern Victoria

“This project is a great example of innovation that will meet the needs of farmers in Gippsland as well as creating local jobs.”

“Improving recovery practices and building confidence in recycled products are critical to growing the recycled organics market.”