New tech shows potential to greatly benefit environment

The region’s leading renewable-energy project got a shot in the arm from the State Government this week, with Scott River to host the trial of a new technology.

The Augusta-Margaret River Clean Community Energy group showed South West MLC Adele Farina and others through the site for a planned hybrid energy project, which also aims to harness cattle waste for its biofuel potential.

As part of the new $20 million Regional Estuaries Initiative, the site would see the first trial to separate cattle waste into reusable liquid filtrate and stackable manure solids, preventing nutrients going into the waterways.

AMRCCE chairwoman and former Shire councillor Lyn Serventy said farmers expressed strong interest in the trial outcomes.

“We firmly believe that dairy manure separation provides a real alternative in dairy effluent management as it could greatly reduce the need to store fresh effluent in holding ponds, especially for irrigators, which constitute 80 per cent of the farmers in the Lower Blackwood and Scott River Catchment,” she said.

Early indicators were the technology could reduce greenhouse emissions by 5000 tonnes and save water, as well as producing a viable fuel source.

The benefits of the trial could extend beyond the region, she said.

Ms Farina said the trial had “the potential to create far-reaching environmental and economic benefits by reducing water usage and nutrient flows into our waterways and deliver sustainable agricultural outcomes”.

“The partnership between the State Government and AMRCCE is a great example of how community groups, farmers and government can work together to protect local waterways and improve farm profitability and productivity.”