The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) has awarded Platinum certification to Ingham’s primary processing plant in Murarrie, Queensland, Australia, achieving the highest level in the International Water Stewardship Standard. 

The AWS standard certification drives, recognizes and rewards good water stewardship performance of sites that demonstrate responsible and sustainable water management. 

Worldwide, there are currently 128 AWS–certified sites and 21 have achieved platinum certification. Of those, Ingham’s has four sites certified to the AWS standard with two now achieving Platinum certification. Ingham’s primary processing site in Somerville, Victoria, was the first in the world to achieve Platinum certification in 2018.

The Murarrie team, led by Operations Manager David Gent, achieved platinum certification by identifying its water impacts, challenges and sphere of influence in the catchment where they operate. By doing this, the site engages with key stakeholders and understands the water-related risks and opportunities that are available.

Several projects have been completed over the past 12 months as part of the site’s water stewardship plan with great benefits for nourishing our planet.  

Murarrie’s Health, Safety and Environment Manager Brett Porter shared these initiatives with local community groups, and said: “We’ve rejuvenated six of the site’s ponds that now hold 60 million liters of water and provide a fantastic habitat for the local wildlife, the volume of the on-site wastewater treatment plant’s sludge has reduced and the site’s water consumption has reduced by one-third over the last three years. In addition, the site has reduced its trade waste to almost zero and has more projects planned to further reduce its water impact. I’m proud of the good we are doing for our planet.” 

AWS’ Asia-Pacific Chief Executive Officer Megan McLeod congratulated the Murarrie team’s Platinum achievement. McLeod said: “On behalf of AWS Asia-Pacific, I would like to congratulate the Ingham’s team on achieving Platinum status, the highest level of AWS Standard Certification, for their plant at Bulimba Creek, Murarrie, Queensland, Australia.  

“Ingham’s continues to clearly demonstrate the highest level of commitment to water stewardship with the Murarrie site being part of the group of Ingham’s AWS Standard Certified Sites at Somerville in Victoria, Bolivar in South Australia, and Te Aroha in New Zealand. 

“Ingham’s is recognized as the sector leader in sustainability and water stewardship and is a key member of the Alliance for Water Stewardship.” 

We are proud of this remarkable achievement by the Murarrie team and thank David Gent and Brett Porter for leading the water stewardship program that is truly world-class. 

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