The Australian fertiliser industry came together in Melbourne on September 9 and 10 for the 2025 Fertiliser Australia conference.
Across the two days, delegates explored the future of fertiliser, with discussions spanning from market outlook to nutrient stewardship and sustainable farming systems.
The event concluded with a spectacular gala dinner held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where the spotlight turned to those leading the charge on environmental performance, as the Fertiliser Australia Environment Awards were presented to standout individuals and organisations making a measurable difference.
Now in their 21st year, the awards recognise those across the industry who are delivering meaningful environmental improvements, championing innovation, and setting a standard for others to follow.
This year’s winners in the Platypus, Kookaburra and Snapper categories delivered bold ideas, practical action, and lasting impact.
Platypus Award
CSBP: Near-zero emissions and a vision for 2050
The Platypus Award, for large member companies, was awarded to CSBP for its ambitious and highly successful work in greenhouse gas reduction.
CSBP’s decarbonisation journey began in 2012, but its most recent breakthrough came with the installation of advanced abatement catalyst technology at its latest nitric acid ammonium nitrate (NAAN) plant.
This technology converts residual nitrous oxide emissions into harmless nitrogen and oxygen before they reach the atmosphere.
The results are striking. Emissions intensity from ammonium nitrate (AN) production has fallen from 1.2 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per tonne to just 0.003 tonnes.
The reduced-emissions AN product also allows CSBP to manufacture urea ammonium nitrate fertiliser with nearly half the cradle-to-gate emissions of imported equivalents.
“CSBP genuinely reduced emissions from their plant,” said one judge. “Their work was innovative, impactful, and clearly elevating the reputation of the industry.”
The judges noted while other submissions in the category were commendable, CSBP stood out for delivering real-world results in a hard-to-abate sector, with strong support from both the WA and Federal Governments.
Kookaburra Award
Tanuki: Waste to resource with biosolids biochar
The Kookaburra Award, for smaller member companies, went to Tanuki, in partnership with Pyrocal and Fertec, for a project which has transformed biosolids into a sustainable, high-performing fertiliser product.
Through more than a decade of research, collaboration and investment, Tanuki and its partners have developed a granulated blend of biosolids biochar and micronised gypsum that tackles multiple environmental issues at once.
Using Pyrocal’s Continuous Carbonisation Technology, the process reduces biosolids volume by 90 per cent and drastically cuts contaminants like PFAS and microplastics, while locking in nutrients and carbon.
“Our goal was to turn a disposal problem into a productivity solution,” Tanuki managing director Durell Hammond says.
“We’ve created a fertiliser which performs on par with conventional products, reduces environmental risks and opens the door to much broader use of this valuable resource.”
Trials have shown the biochar delivers plant-available phosphorus, carbon, and key soil nutrients, while immobilising heavy metals such as zinc, copper and chromium.
The result is a practical, safe and effective fertiliser which supports circular economy goals and long-term soil health.
Judges praised Tanuki’s innovation, environmental benefit and strong collaboration with government and research partners.
“This process has genuinely improved the environment,” one judge said. “It’s an outstanding example of sustainable innovation at work.”
Snapper Award
Celebrating individuals who go above and beyond
The Snapper Award recognises individuals or small teams who have made a standout contribution to environmental outcomes in the industry.
This year, the judges found it impossible to separate two exceptional candidates, and the award was presented jointly to Audra Allan and Nigel Bodinnar.
Audra Allan: Practical tools for reef regulations
With deep roots in the Queensland sugarcane industry, Audra Allan has spent her career working in it, from Cane Productivity Boards to Smartcane BMP facilitation.
At Nutrien Ag Solutions, she led a collaborative project to develop a practical tool for growers to meet new reef protection regulations introduced in 2020.
At the time, no commercial solutions existed to generate nitrogen and phosphorus budgets as required under the updated legislation.
Audra built and led a diverse project team to design a custom software platform from the ground up, tailored to cane farming systems. The platform delivers property-specific nutrient budgets that are both compliant and highly practical.
More than just a tool developer, Audra also played a critical role in training and extension, helping growers understand and adopt the new system.
“She clearly went above and beyond,” said one judge. “She would have spent long hours away from home, supporting growers, coordinating teams, and driving practice change on the ground.”
Her work has helped ensure regulatory compliance, supported reef health, and improved on-farm nutrient management - a win for both productivity and the environment.
Nigel Bodinnar: A legacy of agronomic excellence
Nigel Bodinnar has been a pillar of Australian agronomy since starting his career at Incitec Pivot in 1983.
Across four decades, he has trained and mentored more than 1400 agronomists through the Agronomy in Practice course, helped lead major updates to Nutrient Advantage and other decision support systems, and contributed to national research programs such as Better Fertiliser Decisions for Pastures.
“Nigel has made an excellent contribution to agronomy,” one judge commented. “His influence is seen in the advice farmers receive every day from agronomists he’s helped train.”
Nigel’s work has played a critical role in lifting the standard of nutrient management advice across the industry, especially in environmentally sensitive regions such as reef catchments.
His willingness to share knowledge and support younger professionals has left a lasting mark on the industry.
Celebrating Progress and Partnership
From reducing emissions and reinventing waste, to empowering growers and mentoring the next generation, the 2025 Fertiliser Australia Environment Award winners show what’s possible when innovation, science and dedication come together.
Their work reflects a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture and continuous improvement, offering inspiration and a roadmap for the industry’s future.
As one judge summed up: “These aren’t just great projects, they’re setting a new standard for what environmental leadership in our industry looks like.”
