Tweed Shire Council has partnered with Cape Byron Power to convert more than 4,000 tonnes of green waste generated by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred into renewable energy.
As part of a Shire-wide clean-up operation, Council crews have been collecting and chipping green waste from across the region, as revealed in a news release.
The material is then transported to the Condong Cogeneration Plant, where it is used to generate electricity from biomass, a renewable energy source derived from organic materials.
The plant is operated by Cape Byron Power and works in conjunction with the local sugar mill.
Council’s Acting Director of Sustainable Communities and Environment, Jane Lofthouse, said the initiative offers a practical solution to manage the large volume of waste produced by the cyclone.
“Green waste from the clean-up is chipped either on-site or taken to Quirks Quarry, where it is then transported to the Condong Cogeneration Plant to be used to produce electricity,” Lofthouse said.
“While Stotts Creek Resource Recovery Centre processes green waste and garden organics, the sheer volume of waste from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred exceeds the facility’s capacity.”
According to Council, since 17 March, approximately 4,000 tonnes of green waste have been collected—roughly equivalent to the weight of 2,000 cars—highlighting the need for an alternative processing solution.
The partnership with Cape Byron Power is in line with Tweed Shire Council’s ongoing efforts to minimise waste and support resource recovery.
The Council already implements circular economy principles in its operations, including the reuse of materials from road projects, parks and gardens waste, and the recycling of scrap metals, batteries, and other materials.
Cape Byron Power General Manager Anthony Lount said the company welcomed the opportunity to support the local clean-up and contribute to the region’s recovery.
“At Cape Byron Power we pride ourselves on being an innovator in the generation of clean, renewable energy,” Lount said.
“We are pleased to be working with Council to provide a solution to a problem created by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Our employees and contractors were all impacted by this event so being able to help with the clean up and restoring the beautiful Tweed back to its pre-cyclone condition is important to all of us.”
Council has expressed its appreciation for the support provided by Cape Byron Power in addressing the aftermath of the cyclone.
