Barwon Water’s biochar project is the winner of the 2026 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge.

The challenge brings together water corporations, industry and research partners to turn bold ideas into practical outcomes to address the impacts of climate change.

This year's competition focused on accelerating innovative solutions for the future management and reuse of biosolids. Innovation is critical to helping Victoria's water sector respond to emerging challenges and build a more sustainable future.

The Victorian Government is committed to supporting innovation that delivers long-term environmental, economic and community benefits.

Winner

This year’s winner is:

  • Biochar for Dja (Country): Co-designing Climate Resilient Landscapes with Wadawurrung – Barwon Water, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Federation University.

Other finalists

First runner up:

  • Upcycling Biosolids-derived Biochar: Three Products, One Feedstock – Central Highlands Water, RMIT, Saunders Aquametro, Greater Western Water and Barwon Water.

Second runner up:

  • Biosorb Mobile – Goulburn Valley Water, Monash University and Barwon Water.

Third runner-up:

  • Future Fertilisers! Nutrient Enriched Biochar – Barwon Water and RMIT.

Fourth runner up:

  • WasteNotPot – Transforming Biosolids-Derived Biochar into Biodegradable Nursery Pots – Barwon Water, Deakin University Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts and GenU Community Nursery.

A special commendation was also given to two other projects:

  • Industrial Ecology, Source Management Options for Biosolids – Wannon Water
  • Small Towns, Big Impact: Climate-Smart Biosolids Management – East Gippsland Water, East Gippsland Shire Council and Gippsland Agricultural Group.

By funding innovations that drive meaningful change, the challenge strengthens the water sector’s ability to deliver new solutions that address waste and deliver benefits for communities and the environment.

Since 2023 we’ve awarded funding to innovative projects that offer lasting impacts for the water sector and the community, with the potential to encourage further climate action.

This competition is a collaboration between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Intelligent Water Networks (IWN) and the Victorian Minister for Water.

Page last updated: 08/10/26