Downer opens asphalt plant at Hume

Andrew Barr has opened a warm-mix asphalt plant.

It is the first time a major road surfacing facility with state-of-the art manufacturing techniques, has been built in the ACT.

The $17.6 million facility was built and will be operated by Downer Australia, who is a major player in road surfacing in the ACT and southern NSW.

Climate change is the biggest challenge we face. That’s why finding new and environmentally sustainable ways of manufacturing is vital especially in the lower carbon economy of the future.

Downer’s technology includes warm-mix manufacturing rather than hot-mix, which means the asphalt is created at lower temperatures, reducing risks to workers and using less energy. The process also allows roads to be resurfaced more quickly.

Additionally, it is pleasing to see the innovative technology that is being used by Downer to recycle old asphalt into the mix – at least 30 per cent is reusable – another win for the environment.