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Gippsland Water backs biochar research to transform biosolids into sustainable soil health and waste management solutions

Gippsland Water is supporting national research into converting wastewater biosolids into biochar, aiming to improve soil health, advance sustainable waste management, and assess contaminant destruction, including PFAS, through innovative recycling.

By news@gippsland - 7th August 2026 - Back to News

Gippsland Water is supporting a national collaborative research project exploring new ways to improve soil health by turning biosolids from wastewater treatment into biochar. The 13-month study, led by Water Research Australia, will study the conversion of biosolids into biochar, a charcoal-like material, and test how the process performs.

Gippsland Water's organics recycling business already repurposes biosolids to help create Australian certified standard compost

Exploring biosolids biochar

Biosolids are a byproduct of the wastewater treatment process that potentially can be beneficially reused. Gippsland Water's organics recycling business already repurposes biosolids, alongside green waste, food organics, and other organic feedstocks to produce high quality, Australian standard certified compost.

Managing director Sarah Cumming said the project would help build industry knowledge and could unlock new opportunities for the use of the organic material. "These findings will help water corporations across the country make more informed decisions on the creation of biochar, and the benefits it could bring. By finding a practical use for a material that may usually go to waste, the project could contribute to a more sustainable and circular approach to waste management."

The project will also review evidence and testing approaches relating to the destruction of contaminants from biosolids, including PFAS. The study, led by Water Research Australia, is being delivered by CDM Smith and is supported by water sector partners from across Australia. To learn more about Gippsland Water's research into biochar, visit Gippsland Water website.

Pictures from Gippsland Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• The Nationals warn visa delays threaten harvest workforce, food supply and regional farmers already facing mounting pressures
  The Nationals warn visa delays are threatening critical harvest and agricultural workforces, urging Labor to provide certainty, faster approvals and migration settings supporting farmers, regional communities and food supply.
• The Nationals and Liberals promise tougher sentencing, specialist criminal appeal court, greater transparency for Victorians
  The Nationals and Liberals pledge tougher sentencing, a specialist Criminal Appeal Court and greater transparency, including Children’s Court data, to restore confidence, strengthen accountability and address Victoria’s crime crisis.
• Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
  Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries.
• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Liberal Nationals introduce bill to repeal Labor's firearms laws and abolish national gun buyback scheme
  Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has introduced a Bill, seconded by Andrew Wilcox, to repeal Labor’s firearms laws, restore previous Commonwealth regulations and abolish the stalled National Gun Buyback Scheme.
• Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities.