From the National Executive Officer

What has been particularly interesting over the last couple of months – likely due to the conflict in Iran and resulting concerns over fuel and fertilizer supply and prices – is the increased interest in compost for agricultural purposes.

AORA has had a notable increase in enquiries regarding the application of compost for agricultural purposes. This is a good thing (not the conflict), as it builds awareness of compost’s benefits.

One example is the webinar ‘Solutions for on-farm organics’ that AORA participated in on Tuesday 26 May, facilitated by RMCG, a multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in environment, agriculture and communities. During this webinar we heard from farmers who have used compost as part of their production for many years and the benefits they derive.

Those of us in the compost industry understand compost’s value, especially from a soil health and productivity perspective. However, broad-based knowledge and appreciation, especially amongst farmers, is a work in progress.

Building this knowledge and appreciation is something we must work toward, and it will form an integral part of AORA’s longer-term strategy.

We hope the secret is progressively getting out: compost is a must-have input for long-term agricultural productivity and profitability.

John McKew 

National Executive Officer

Upcoming AORA Events

Wednesday 24 June | 7am for 7.30am start | Pullman Olympic Park, Sydney

Join us  as we examine a systems approach to making FOGO Work: Procurement, Partnership & Contamination Reduction. 

What does it really take to get FOGO off the ground at a regional and metro scale?

This upcoming AORA breakfast dives into the practical realities of FOGO readiness, procurement and processing, featuring Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils’s ongoing journey to align the full supply chain and define local government’s essential role.

Hear from a processor on their successful and enduring joint local government interventions that have meaningfully cut contamination rates and supported targetted interventions.

Rounding out the session, an overview of the new NSW FOGO education video resources from MRA, AORA, and NSW EPA that will assist in engaging the community.

Friday 26 June | 7am – 7.30am start | Colmslie Hotel, Brisbane

Join us at our upcoming event  The Future of Organics: Policy, Strategy & Direction in Queensland, an in-depth industry session exploring the current landscape and future direction of composting in Queensland.

Hear from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation as they discuss the Queensland Waste Strategy, organics, and emerging trends shaping compliance and best practice across the sector.

This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in Queensland’s organics industry looking to stay informed, connected, and  be ready for what’s next.

The FOGO mandate deadline isn’t moving. Are you ready?

Organics processors and councils are fast running out of time to establish compliant FOGO processing solutions to meet the 2030 deadline. The pressure is on to find a composting solution that is fast, compliant, odour-controlled, and cost-effective. Through local partner and integrator SKALA Environmental, the Eggersmann Convaero system is a specialized Covered Aerated Static Pile (CASP) technology that bridges the gap between open windrows and expensive high-end IVC tunnel solutions.

The Innovation: The Membrane Cover
At the heart of the system is the high-tech membrane. This isn’t just a tarp; it’s a semi-permeable membrane that acts as a bio-filter.

The Magic: Controlled Aeration
FOGO composting requires precision. The Convaero system uses a proven aeration floor and automated blowers linked to oxygen and temperature sensors.

An affordable OPEX solution
Compared to more costly in-vessel tunnels, the Convaero system offers significant operational savings;
– Lower Infrastructure Costs
– Scalability
– Reduced Handling.

Policy Updates and Information

Standards Review

AORA continues to be engaged through delegated representatives in the Standards review processes for both:
– AS4454-2012 – Composts, soil conditioners and mulches, and
– AS4736-2006 – Biodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other microbial treatment.

Both reviews are progressing with public updates expected in the second half of 2026.

Biosolids & PFAS Limits

We held a NSW AORA Interested Members Group meeting to discuss the latest NSW EPA feedback and direction updates on the Biosolids order and exemption (RROE).If you want to be included in this process and aren’t already please contact Jacqui.

Next steps: A subsequent discussion is being requested with the NSW EPA. We will also engage with the water authorities as we work through providing feedback on the supply chain impacts of the RROE.

FOGO Position Paper

AORA processing members, via your company’s Administrator contact, were invited to participate in a member workshop to inform and progress the updated AORA FOGO Position Paper.

• This position paper is intended to be a widely used and referenced industry position and source of information on issues and opportunities currently facing FOGO services and processing.
• The paper will now be updated, and then finalised with the Board Technical and Policy Committee.

Thank you to all of the processing members who participated in these workshops, they were a great opportunity to discuss topical challenges, and importantly gain your input and insights to inform the paper.   

If you have feedback or responses to any of these advocacy or policy points, please respond to Jacqui at: policy@aora.org.au)

National industry-led battery behaviour change campaign

ACOR with the support of AORA (and other peak bodies across the waste and recycling sectors) is collaborating on a national industry-led battery behaviour change campaign. The campaign aims to shift that risk at its source by changing behaviour at scale.

What sets this apart is a coordinated national approach, built by industry, with the reach and consistency needed to cut through and drive real behaviour change. It presents a clear opportunity to shift social norms, reduce growing safety risks, and demonstrate industry leadership.

ACOR and AORA are now inviting organic recycling processor organisations (and others within or connected to our industry) to get involved.

This is a genuinely collective effort. The campaign will only proceed once we reach the required funding threshold. Participation is structured so organisations can contribute at a level reflecting their size (i.e., annual turnover), but it is completely voluntary.

To get involved and receive further information on the investment and participation model, please email batterycampaign@acor.org.au

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