Funding boost for wastewater treatment plant

A specialist wastewater contractor has received $1.5 million in funding through the Queensland Government’s Business Development Fund to upgrade the Maleny Sewage Treatment Plant.

The Water and Carbon Group designs, builds and operates innovative hybrid wastewater treatment systems across Australia with clients including Unitywater, Queensland Urban Utilities, Water Corporation, Logan City Council, Sydney Olympic Park Authority, and other water authorities and corporations.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Curtis Pitt, said “The Water and Carbon Group’s systems integrate engineering with natural ecological processes, such as wetlands, to deliver low energy, low cost, environmentally friendly wastewater treatment solutions.

“The fund’s investment will assist the company in establishing and operating 10 pilot treatment systems to do demonstration projects on site with key clients, providing a tangible showcase of the systems in action.

“This will allow them to create employment, research and training opportunities in the South East corner and regional Queensland, as well as develop contract opportunities for other Queensland companies.”

The Business Development Fund contribution is matched by a consortium of investors led by E3 Sustainable Investments, and will allow The Water and Carbon Group to expand its operations and participate in larger infrastructure projects.

E3 Sustainable Investments Director, Andrew Wilson, said the Queensland Government’s Business Development Fund is a great initiative to support local innovative business.

“The investment will help fund The Water and Carbon Group’s growth in Queensland and beyond,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Pitt said The Water and Carbon Group is among 14 innovative Queensland businesses which have received investments totaling $15.9 million from the Business Development Fund.

“Investing in companies such as The Water and Carbon Group is good for Queensland and I’m proud to be part of a government that is committed to providing businesses with opportunities and assistance to be their best,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Water and Carbon Group is committed to delivering significant economic and environmental benefits to our community.

“These investments in Queensland businesses, which are showing the way in their fields, come from across industry sectors ranging from electric vehicle technology to environmental and sustainability outcomes.

“This representation covers the spectrum of investment fields and is an indicator of the levels of innovation coming from Queensland’s strong and diverse small business sector.

“The fund is continuing to play an important role in helping Queensland’s best and brightest turn their ideas and innovations into a commercial reality, creating jobs and developing a sustainable private market for venture capital finance in Queensland.”

The $40 million Business Development Fund is part of the Government’s $420 million Advance Queensland suite of programs designed to create knowledge-based jobs of the future. The fund invests from $125,000 up to $2.5 million in matched funding, alongside private sector co-investors to assist businesses turn their ideas and innovations into commercial realities.

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