Representatives from more than a dozen countries have recently visited the world leading Gippsland Water Factory as part of a tour facilitated by the Committee for Gippsland.
The Consuls General and Honorary Consuls from as far afield as Oman, Spain, Switzerland and Lithuania visited the facility that treats domestic and industrial waste near Morwell, Victoria.
“We were delighted to be included on the itinerary for these important guests and be able to show them the sort of innovative thinking and practise that Gippslanders can be proud of” said Managing director of Gippsland Water David Mawer.
The Water Factory treats domestic waste from nine towns in central Gippsland as well as industrial waste from neighbouring facilities such as the Australian Paper Mill.
“The Water Factory is in effect two plants. One that treats the historically problematic waste streams from the paper mill to a very high standard and another that treats the domestic waste from households and industry” continued Mr Mawer.
“The domestic wastewater can also be treated to an extra high standard using reverse osmosis to produce up to three billion litres of recycled water each year.”
“This sort of technology is world leading and while we use it to deal with malodorous waste in our environment, I’m sure some of our visitors will see other applications for the technology in their home countries” concluded Mr Mawer.
The group also saw the industry leading Revive Recycled Compost product developed by Gippsland Water. Revive uses the waste produced by the Gippsland Water Factory and other treatment facilities, combines it with green waste from households and other waste streams from local industry such as the diary sector and is returned to the environment as productive and sustainable farm compost.
The Water Factory is be one of several sites the Consuls General group visited during their two day immersion in Gippsland looking at innovation and investment and export opportunities for local business.
The Committee for Gippsland was pleased to be able to facilitate the tour, after making direct representations to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about the benefits of showcasing a major export region like Gippsland.
Committee for Gippsland CEO Mary Aldred said that the Melbourne-based Consuls General play a very significant role in developing relationships with export orientated businesses around Victoria, and gaining a better understanding of the industry profile and capability of regions like Gippsland.
“For the visiting Consuls General, their time in Gippsland was very important in building an understanding of what Gippsland is, what we do well, and how that can benefit both Australia and their respective nations in areas like technology, trade and tourism,” said Ms Aldred.
