The Dubbo Regional Council is aiming to be one of the most environmentally-friendly councils in Australia and the construction of the Dubbo Regional Organics Processing Plant (DROPP) helps that aim.
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The DROPP will process food and garden organic waste from Dubbo Regional Council, Mid-Western Regional Council and Narromine Shire Council.
Dubbo Mayor Ben Shields said as well as providing great environmental outcomes for Dubbo residents, the joint approach to funding has also reduced the burden on ratepayers.
“When we talk of better ratepayer outcomes, the DROPP is a $7.2 million project and it was funded by a $3.5 million grant from the Environmental Protection Authority, as well as a further $1.3 million to go towards implementation. A further $3.7 million was provided by Dubbo Regional Council, with JR Richards also contributing to the facility to make it a showcase. This joint approach to funding has reduced the burden on ratepayers,” Cr Shields said.
“The other great thing is that local businesses and tradespeople were able to contribute to the project. The main earthworks and building construction was done by local tradies, with shed builders, concreters, plumbers, electricians, plant operators, building certifiers and suppliers involved.
“It adds value to the local economy and they contributed to the project being completed on time and under budget.”
JR Richards & Sons representative Greg Turner said as part of the contract they will be able to sell the composted material.
“We are going to wholesale it and we can sell it from Fitzroy Street to locals,” he said.
“It will be about six months before we can sell product from Dubbo but it will be a high quality product because we are following and practicing all the Australian standard composting procedures.
“Also, as part of the deal we will provide the council with product for its use.”
