This case study relates to the VPS value of accountability.
Background
Taking possession of ex-landfill sites equivalent to the size of 21 MCGs, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) aims to deliver a 355-hectare chain of parklands that not only provide valuable recreation space but, in the process, redirect waste into electricity.
Challenge
The Sandbelt Parklands project aims to create valuable community space where locals and visitors alike can relax and connect with nature.
Stretching from Moorabbin to Dingley Village, it will include walking and bike trails as well as adventure play areas.
Ex-landfill sites produce large quantities of gas for many years after they are closed. In a first for DEECA, the department partnered with commercial power company EDL Energy to have the landfill gas from the former landfill sites removed in 2023 and converted into electricity, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Landfill gas is made up of decomposing organic matter and would otherwise be released into the atmosphere or flared requiring further infrastructure and funding.
Result
On one ex-landfill site alone, more than 400,000 cubic meters of landfill gas was removed and used to generate a total of 575MWh of electricity. This was enough to power 946 homes for a month, demonstrating accountability for achieving the best use of resources.
Those who bike, play, run and picnic in the Sandbelt Parklands in future can do so knowing that their open spaces have been created using environmentally friendly practices.
For more information on the Sandbelt Parklands program.