A major new bioenergy initiative in the Scenic Rim is set to turn farm and processing waste into renewable power, marking a significant boost for sustainable agriculture and local industry.
Vegetable producer Kalfresh Vegetables has begun construction on a commercial bioenergy facility at Kalbar as part of the broader Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct, a $291 million project that will convert organic waste into renewable natural gas, electricity and bio‑fertiliser. The project is backed by an $80 million investment from the Queensland Investment Corporation and Wollemi Capital, with support from the Queensland Government.
Using a process called anaerobic digestion, vegetable scraps, farm leftovers and other organic material will be broken down by microorganisms to produce renewable energy. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate enough power to supply up to 31,000 homes and fuel millions of kilometres of heavy transport each year.
Kalfresh chief executive Richard Gorman said the project reflects a long‑term vision to add value to agricultural production while reducing waste and emissions. With construction underway, the first bioenergy output is anticipated by mid‑2027, creating jobs and positioning the Scenic Rim at the forefront of circular economy innovation.