GLAN DEVON BIO-FERTILISER PROJECT
THE GLAN DEVON BIO-FERTILISER PROJECT is a proposed facility designed to improve how biosolids are managed while supporting local agriculture and Queensland's circular economy.
This first-of-a-kind project in Australia will convert biosolids into a dry, pelletised fertiliser ready for use on local farms.
The project aims to improve how biosolids are managed in the South Burnett region and supports:
Sustainable farming
Waste reduction
Crop productivity
Creation of local jobs
Proposed site design, located on the corner of Mondure Crossing Rd and Burnett Highway, Glan Devon
The Glan Devon Bio-Fertiliser Project Development Application is currently being assessed by Council.
The proposed facility is progressing through a structured Development Assessment process, which includes several statutory stages set by the Queensland Government.
Each stage has defined statutory requirements, timeframes and opportunities for stakeholders and the community to access information or provide feedback.
The Development Application process ensures that environmental, technical, planning and community considerations are formally assessed before a decision is made.
Currently, the application is with the South Burnett Council and the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) for assessment. Once approved, it will move into a public consultation and notification period.
Project development application stages
What are biosolids?
Biosolids are the safe, treated organic material that comes from cleaning wastewater.
Biosolids have been safely used in agriculture for over 25 years. Around 70% of the approximately 1.6 million tonnes of biosolids produced annually in Australia are already used in agriculture as soil conditioners and fertilisers.
How are biosolids currently used in the South Burnett region?
Over the past three years more than 100,000 tonnes have been applied to agricultural land and used by farmers in the South Burnett region as an alternative fertiliser, providing essential nutrients and long-term soil benefits for crops.
How does the Glan Devon Bio-Fertiliser Project work?
Learn more about the Xetrov vortex technology at www.xetrov.com/technology or download the factsheet below.
Glossary of terms
Thermal processing - Thermal processing uses high temperatures to reduce the volume, destroy pathogens, and remove water from biosolids.
Non-recyclable waste - Materials that cannot economically be reprocessed into new products using current technology, generally ending up in landfill.
Waste to energy - The process of generating energy, typically in the form of electricity or heat, by treating waste materials through technologies like incineration, gasification, or anaerobic digestion. It reduces landfill and provides a sustainable energy source by converting non-recyclable materials into usable power.
Who uses biosolids?
Renewing tired soil with waste.
Darren Schick
Scott Hodgson
Healing the soil, growing the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about the Glan Devon Bio-Fertiliser Project? Check out the FAQs. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just ask by emailing info@gdbp.com.au
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Currently, biosolids from wastewater treatment are only partially processed - they're about 17% solids (which means they're still quite wet). This creates several challenges, including:
Strong odours when applied to land as fertiliser
Needing specialised equipment to spread into the land
Can only be applied in dry weather and certain wind conditions
The proposed facility will dry the biosolids and then custom blend with mineral nutrients to produce a balanced fertiliser. The result is a pelletised product that farmers can apply using standard equipment and that meets all environmental regulations, including odour.
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This project directly supports:
Queensland's Organics Strategy 2022-2032
Queensland's Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy
South Burnett Regional Council's Circular Economy Industrial Precincts Report
This would be the first biosolids thermal processing facility for the South Burnett region, pioneering Council's stated objectives.
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The facility will operate under Queensland's End of Waste Framework, which sets strict quality standards for treated biosolids. Every batch of bio-fertiliser produced must meet these regulatory standards before it can be sold or used. We conduct regular testing to ensure consistent quality and compliance.
Join us to learn more
Want to learn more? Join us for one of the following community events:
Wednesday 27 May, 6 - 6.45pm – Community webinar (register using the QR code below)
Friday 5 June - Café conversation, venue TBD in Nanango 9am - 12pm
Saturday 6 June – Nanango Market, Nanango Showgrounds, 6am – 12pm
Have your say
We want to understand what matters to the South Burnett community as this project develops. Share your thoughts with the project team through the online survey.
Formal submission process
Public submissions to Council will open in June. Please check the Public Notification page for exact dates. To make a formal submission to Council within the prescribed timeframe, download the official form from the South Burnett Regional Council website.
Please read the Council instructions carefully and include the following information in your submission:
Proposal description: High Impact Industry (Bio-fertiliser Facility
Applicant name: BYV Organics Pty Ltd C/- SMB Business Holding Pty Ltd
Application number: MCU26/0004
Address of application: Burnett Highway, Glan Devon