Community Circularity Precinct and Community Biochar Research Hub

Ian KininmonthClimate change, Consumption, Economy, Natural environment, Permaculture, Reconnection to nature, Waste and consumption, Water

The concept for a community circularity precinct and community biochar research hub is designed to build on the existing strengths and opportunities which exist in the area to address relevant  local issues using a circularity approach.

Circularity principles include:

  • Eliminate waste and pollution.
  • Circulate products and materials.
  • Regenerate nature.

A fourth principle is to keep it local.

Some issues pertinent to the site and surrounding area include:

  • Tree and vegetation cover:
    • Water use / drought tolerance.
    • Canopy coverage.
    • Vegetation health.
  • Hard surfaces and stormwater runoff.
    • Urban heat island.
    • Lack of infiltration.
    • Wasted resource.
    • Water quality.
  • Turf (including playing fields and lawns):
    • Durability/trafficability.
    • Water use.
    • Use of chemical fertilisers.
  • Water use:
    • Groundwater allocation reducing by 10% by 2029.
    • Hotter, drier climate.
  • Stormwater quality.
  • Alternative water use e.g. grey water.
  • Energy use:
    • Use of trees for shade, cooling.
    • Use of renewables.

Some of the strengths of the existing area include:

  • Proximity to local residents who participate in TTV activities and projects.
  • Knowledge about biochar, composting and worm farming.
  • Tools n things library.
  • A venue for conducting movie nights and other .
  • Food forest established with biochar, FOGO compost and worm juice.
  • Mulch pile.
  • FOGO compost pile.

Some opportunities for strengthening the circularity precinct:

  • Working to increase the soil organic carbon (currently estimated at only less than 1%) and provide other benefits e.g. water holding capacity using a regenerative approach which focuses on the three key components of soil organic carbon being resistant carbon (e.g. biochar/charcoal), humus (e.g. compost, worm castings) and particulate carbon (e.g. soil organisms).
  • Using a circular/regenerative approach to develop the primary soil organic carbon constituents e.g. biochar, compost, soil organisms.
  • Expanding the food forests using locally produced or sourced biochar, compost and microbes.
  • Restoring native habitat by revegetating with native plant species and increasing the tree canopy to provide shade and biomass.
  • Managing wasted water resources e.g. stormwater, grey water, rainfall more sustainably, including through water harvesting and reuse, daylighting of stormwater drains and developing biochar trenches and wells.
  • Establishing a plant nursery.
  • Applying the opportunities above to new development e.g. new buildings, refurbishment of existing.
  • Developing a community biochar research hub focusing on:
    • Urban agriculture.
    • Native trees and revegetation.
    • Turf (lawn).
    • Stormwater and grey water management.
  • Partnering with research institutions to undertake research and trial the above.

Contact:

ian.kininmonth@ttv.org.au