In an inspiring example of sustainability in action, the METRONET Byford Rail Extension Project is giving household food and garden waste a new purpose by using a special compost called Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO), created from food scraps and garden clippings collected by local councils. After being carefully processed to meet Australian Standards, FOGO becomes a nutrient-rich soil conditioner perfect for landscaping.

This green initiative builds on a successful trial of FOGO in landscaping on the METRONET Ellenbrook Line. The trial identified that a mix of 20 per cent FOGO and 80 per cent Aquamor soil showed superior vegetation growth compared to using 100 per cent Aquamor. Other FOGO benefits include:

• reduced use of artificial fertilisers due to the rich nutrients in FOGO
• healthier soils - FOGO boosts soil microbes improving nutrient access and soil stability 
• improved water use - FOGO enhances soil water retention and penetration helping with efficient water use and plant health
• utilising repurposed materials which reduces the carbon footprint and conserves resources.

The FOGO blending process takes place off site and the compost is transported to the project site to be used in landscaping around new stations.

The METRONET Byford Rail extension project is on track to use around 1,530 tonnes of FOGO demonstrating how everyday waste can be transformed into benefits for the environment and the community.

This initiative aligns with the METRONET Sustainability strategy to identiy and implement practical ways to reduce the carbon footprint of METRONET projects.