New windrow turner boosts capacity at Gippsland Regional Organics

Gippsland Water's Gippsland Regional Organics business has recently scaled up with the addition of a new windrow turner, strengthening the site's production capacity following its recent expansion.

A windrow turner is a machine designed to aerate organic waste in windrows as a part of the composting process. Windrows at Dutson Downs can be over two metres tall and up to four metres wide.

The Dutson Downs facility is an EPA-licensed organic waste and composting site, covering around 350 hectares – the largest organics recycling facility in Victoria.

The new Eggersmann BACKHUS A 60 brings the total number of windrow turners on site to three, supporting more efficient and consistent processing across the expanded operation.

Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said the new machine would help maintain high standards as processing volumes increase. 

“The additional windrow turner allows us to manage composting more efficiently across the larger site, with greater control over aeration and moisture,” Ms Cumming said.

"That consistency is critical to producing high-quality, compliant compost, while meeting our environmental obligations.”

Ms Cumming said the investment complemented the recent expansion at the Dutson Downs site.

“Together, the site expansion and new equipment mean we can process organic waste at a greater scale, while continuing to meet strong environmental and product standards,” Ms Cumming said.

Gippsland Regional Organics is now positioned to produce up to 70,000 tonnes of compost each year, supporting agriculture, land rehabilitation, regional reuse and Victoria’s circular economy.

Gippsland Regional Organics employs 25 people and continues to grow regional employment opportunities as the site expands.

To read more about Gippsland Water’s role in the circular economy, visit: www.gippswater.com.au/circulareconomy.