Breaking Barriers to largescale FOGO use in Infrastructure Landscaping – Environmental Outcomes
Summary
The MELconnx Alliance, a collaboration between Laing O’Rourke and the Office of Major Transport Delivery, is spearheading the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line Project delivering 21kilometers of double-track rail, five new stations, and associated major structures.
A key performance indicator has been to minimise carbon impacts and support circular economy outcomes, achieved through the innovative use of recycled materials. Central to this initiative was the implementation of FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) in large-scale landscaping. Despite initial scepticism, close collaboration with key stakeholders has implemented a significant trial of FOGO-enriched soil-conditioner, incorporating >900tonnes of FOGO across 36,385sqm of landscaping, diverting ~3,200tonnes of household waste and ~6,000tonnes CO2e- from landfill. A two-year trial optimising soil blends for native planting aims to advance industry knowledge and acceptance.
The trial has fostered new business opportunities for suppliers and set a precedent for large-scale use of recycled materials in support of the local circular economy.
