Another local industry that will create an estimated 50 jobs and make good use of Invasive Native Scrub (INS) is expected to commence next year.
Plans to establish Cobar’s BioHub were discussed at a public information session at the Cobar Bowling & Golf Club on Thursday.
The BioHub facility will process INS vegetation sourced from surrounding agriculture land and utilise all aspects of the input material for processing into goods for sale and export.
A presentation by Cobar BioHub’s managing director Mark Glover outlined how the idea of the BioHub began, its journey and progress to the present day, the Invasive Native Scrub (INS) problem and proposed solutions.
The project’s development manager Peter van Herk spoke about the trial they conducted in November last year and laid out the removal and landscape restoration services the project would offer local landholders.
Mr van Herk, who has a background in natural resource management and experience as a business development consultant and coach, said the project is now in its final contractional and planning stages.
“We’re already talking directly to people, and people are knocking on our doors,” Mr van Herk told The Cobar Weekly.
He said they have also been working with Local Land Services and landholders working out how to interpret Property Vegetation Plans (PVPs) and what can and can’t be done.
“But importantly it’s not the PVP plans, it’s the property owners farm plan and what you want to do with your property,” Mr van Herk told the meeting.
The session also included a presentation from AECOM environmental professional Jessie Meyers on the Environmental Impact Assessment process and a Carbon Projects presentation from Decarbonisation Solutions Australia’s business development general manager, Rhys Maughan.
Cobar Shire Council general manager Peter Vlatko told the meeting that Council is supportive of the project which can make better use of residents’ and farmers’ land.
Mr Vlatko said Council also welcomes the opportunity of a brand new and innovative industry that will make a difference to the town and boost the local economy.
