The project “From Waste to Product - Identifying plastic and shell recycling pathways in the NSW oyster Industry” aims to transition the NSW Oyster industry to a more resilient business model, focused on partnering with recycling ventures to add value to waste and byproduct stockpiles.
Through this new model, waste shells and plastics can be re-used at a locally relevant scale through engaged farmer participation and new partnerships with related businesses in regional recycling ventures.
The project is examining shell and cultivation gear across estuaries to quantify materials, conditions, and future demands for an oyster circular economy plan. It aims to facilitate end-of-life sorting and processing for timber, plastics, and shell. It will action statewide estuary clean-up events and offer industry tipping fee subsidies for legacy timber removal. It aims to foster cleaner and more resilient estuaries by industry-led clean-ups, promoting sustainable practices and improving environmental stewardship. Lastly regional hubs for collecting, cleaning, and processing oyster waste are being established alongside product development.
The project is directed by a steering committee of professionals from the oyster, recycling, and natural resource management sectors.
Timber tipping subsidy
Tarred and treated timber cultivation gear was identified as a flood risk and its removal from estuaries free up space for more productive uses given many leases have converted to plastic based cultivation infrastructure. OceanWatch realise this process is expensive so have looked for ways to lessen the burden while seeking to implement circular economy principles.
Conversion to energy via power station utilisation was investigated however remains nonviable.
We have now completed round 1 of the subsidy. 40 farmers expressed interest of 643 tonnes, 15 completed the initiative to a subsidy value of $10,526 removing approx. 90 tonnes of timber waste. Feedback has been received to suggest a change in process, allowing for a larger cap in some estuaries and a longer period of time to complete.
Round 2 contains the remaining $69,562, OceanWatch has changed the parameters to allow farmers to apply for as much funding as they think they can use in the time-frame being mindful of the need to contribute 50% of the skip or weighbridge fee. This EOI will gather that intent to ensure the entire amount gets used to remove the maximum amount of infrastructure.
To access the EOI background click here, click here to apply before the 16th August 2024.
For assistance contact Simon@oceanwatch.org.au
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program
