Industrial growth in the food-processing sector is continuing at a rapid pace in our region and water use and wastewater generation are becoming key management issues for these industries. 

Goulburn Valley Water strongly encourages waste minimisation programs at all industries discharging to the sewerage system. Our trade waste policies are directed at lowering discharges and reducing waste. Our trade waste staff continue to communicate with industry to determine their needs and provide a focus on long term sustainability issues.

New initiatives for the year include:

• Restructure of trade waste pricing for Tatura's industries to reflect waste minimisation principles.  This includes charging for salt generation.

• Support for the innovative business sustainability course developed at Goulburn Ovens TAFE.  This provides a training vehicle for supervisory staff in local industry and outlines the principles of cleaner production at an industry level.

• The introduction of new trade waste agreements and consents for over 50 customers.

• The initiation of a program to determine a "product produced" to "waste generation" ratio for industries in the region.