What is a Bioresource Recovery Facility?
A Bioresource Recovery Facility (BRF) is a purpose-built circular economy system transforming waste into a valuable resource.
At the facility, biomass (such as biosolids) is dried and processed into charcoal, known as biochar, using innovative carbonisation technology. Carbonisation is a method of creating charcoal through burning biomass at high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment.
Instead of treating biosolids as a byproduct of waste, the resource is used to create energy and to produce biochar.
Biochar can either be used as a powder or pressed into small charcoal bricks for use in a variety of applications.
What is the product used for?
One of the product’s most common uses is soil improvement in agriculture and horticulture. When added to soil, biochar enhances soil structure, improving aeration and increasing the soil’s ability to retain water. This supports healthier plant growth and greater resilience during dry conditions.
A key advantage of biochar is its ability to provide slow-release nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients are typically supplied through commercially available synthetic fertilisers, but in biochar they are released gradually, improving nutrient uptake efficiency.
In addition, biochar contributes to carbon sequestration, as the carbon contained is highly stable and can remain in the soil for long periods. Overall, it provides a sustainable way to recover nutrients, improve soil health, and reduce environmental impacts.
What are biosolids?
Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials produced at all water utility wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The treated wastewater sludge is typically made up of around 87% water and 13% solids. Biosolids have a high moisture content, combined with a viscous consistency that makes handling challenging.
Despite these challenges, biosolids are a valuable resource for nutrient recovery and is commonly transported to agricultural land for use as a soil enrichment.
Production of biochar is regulated by State Government guidelines.
Where will the facility be located?
The site (10 Focus Lane, Yandina) is located on a decommissioned wastewater treatment plant in an industrial estate, now operating as a sewage pump station that transfers to the Nambour wastewater treatment plant.
This site has been selected following an analysis of location, access to the nearby Bruce Highway and potential impact on neighbours.
The design prioritises efficient, reliable operation while mitigating impacts to sensitive receptors, with key infrastructure located approximately 400m from the nearest residential area.
What is the planned timeline for development?
Subject to approvals, construction will commence in late 2026 with a 2-year indicative construction timeframe.
What development approvals are required for this project to progress?
Construction at this location requires a Material Change of Use (MCU) , to be assessed and processed by Sunshine Coast Council.
An Environmental Authority (EA) is also required from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation to regulate the facility’s operations.
These approvals will provide Unitywater with a licence to undertake Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs) to conduct:
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ERA 54 - mechanical waste reprocessing
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ERA 61 – treatment of biosolids
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ERA 62 – resource recovery and waste handling.
No waste will be generated from this facility. These approvals ensure that environmental considerations such as noise, air and odour are appropriately managed.
What community engagement has occurred on this project so far and what have been the main concerns raised?
As part of planning and design of the facility, Unitywater conducted a stakeholder assessment to identify and mitigate any potential community concerns. This site has been purposefully designed to consider:
Unitywater will be holding preliminary engagement with local stakeholders to ensure further feedback is considered in finalising project design elements. Subsequent engagement activities will occur throughout delivery of the facility.
What mitigation measures will there be to address community priorities and feedback?
The facility has been purposefully designed to minimise impacts on the surrounding community, particularly in relation to traffic, odour, air emissions, and noise.
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Odour and air emissions: Biosolids will be discharged into a below-ground, sealed bunker, designed to contain material, prevent spills and minimise the risk of soil and water contamination. Storing biosolids underground also significantly reduces odour generation, with any residual odours captured and treated through dedicated odour control systems. Air emissions from the facility will be monitored, captured and treated to ensure compliance with Environmental Authority conditions.
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Noise: Potentially noisy equipment will be acoustically enclosed, silenced, or attenuated. Key processes, such as drying, will be housed within buildings fitted with acoustically rated ventilation louvres, and access doors will remain closed during operation to further reduce noise.
Overall, the facility design integrates multiple controls to ensure efficient operation while minimising environmental and community impacts.
What opportunities are there for ongoing engagement with the community on this project?
Engagement with the community is a key component of this project. Unitywater will undertake ongoing engagement with interested stakeholders throughout development of this facility.
Drop-in information sessions will be held at key stages of the project and will be communicated via project updates to our social media pages, website and letterbox-dropped Works Notices.
What is the submission process for providing feedback to Council as part of the MCU process?
Council will publish the MUC on their development portal. As part of the MCU, Unitywater will advertise this application in local papers, as well as on our website and via a sign located at the proposed site.
Stakeholders are referred to this portal to review the application and make a submission should they choose to.
How much is this project costing?
Our business case indicates significant savings will be achieved through the sale of product from this facility. Project development costs are currently subject to negotiation and are commercial‑in‑confidence. Further details will be shared as the project matures.
