Have your say on how biosolids are managed

Fraser Coast residents are being encouraged to have their say on the management of biosolids in the region.

Councillor Paul Truscott said Council was reviewing its biosolids strategy to consider reuse options and was seeking input from the community via drop-in centres at local libraries and an online survey.

“Biosolids are an organic resource produced from the sewage treatment process,” he said.

“They are often applied as a fertiliser to improve soil structure due to the high nutrient value and water retention capabilities.

“On the Fraser Coast, biosolids are currently used in the agricultural sector as a soil conditioner for pasture for cattle, sugar cane, cotton, turf farms, legumes and tree plantations.

“It’s timely to review Council’s biosolids strategy as recent changes to legislation have altered the standards biosolids must meet to be used for different applications.

“Following initial feedback received over the past few months, Council has come up with a range of options for how biosolids could be disposed of, reused, transported, processed and managed.

“Council’s Wide Bay Water and Waste team are also considering how best to reduce any odour issues as part of the development of the biosolids strategy.”

Cr Truscott said Council was committed to giving the community the opportunity to provide feedback on the new biosolids strategy and the range of reuse options being considered.

“A dedicated website page has been set up at here with an online survey that is open now through to Friday 20 November 2020,” he said.

“Council are also running a number of drop in sessions where community members can meet with the project team to find out more about the biosolids strategy and provide feedback.”

The drop in sessions are being held at:

• Hervey Bay Library – Saturday 31 October, 9am – 12 noon and Tuesday 3 November, 1pm – 4pm;
• Maryborough Library – Tuesday 3 November, 9am – 12 noon and Thursday 5 November, 9am – 12 noon; and
• Tiaro Library and Community Centre – Thursday 5 November, 2pm – 4pm

Additional background

Council operates four major sewage treatment plants at Eli Creek, Pulgul, Nikenbah and Aubinville.

There are four minor treatment plants located at Toogoom, Burrum Heads, Torbanlea and Howard, with the biosolids from the smaller plants going to one of the major plants for further processing.