Building National Capability with Sustainable Technology

Across Australia, the discussion around the AUKUS agreement is gaining momentum. Yet, as the AUKUS Forum makes clear, this is about far more than submarines. It represents a broader renewal of our nation’s industrial capacity and sovereign independence. At Apollo Engineering, this conversation speaks directly to our purpose and mission.
For decades, our focus has been on manufacturing world-class equipment right here in Australia. We are proud to belong to a strong and diverse manufacturing sector in regional NSW, now recognised as a vital contributor to national resilience. The AUKUS agreement underscores the importance of building a robust, self-sufficient industrial foundation—one that can design, produce, and maintain critical technologies without over-reliance on overseas suppliers.
An Australian Innovation for a Circular Economy
The AUKUS Forum highlights organisations that embody excellence in quality, innovation, and integrity, values that underpin everything we do at Apollo Engineering.
Our innovative Biofeed technology is a testament to this commitment. We are not simply producing machinery; we are delivering a sustainable solution to one of the world's most pressing problems: food waste. Biofeed transforms food waste into nutrient-rich by-products, advancing the circular economy and helping businesses significantly reduce their environmental footprint. This dependability is reinforced by full compliance with key Australian Standards, including AS4024 for machinery safety, AS1554 for structural welding, and AS3000 for electrical wiring. More than a tick-box exercise, these standards ensure Biofeed is designed, built, and maintained to the highest level of safety and reliability, right here in Australia—demonstrating true sovereign manufacturing capability. This is precisely the ambition of AUKUS: to strengthen our nation’s industrial foundations and ensure we can deliver critical technologies with independence, resilience, and integrity.
This rigorous commitment is essential. As Australia moves towards a more sustainable future, businesses need partners who refuse to compromise on performance or environmental responsibility. Our Biofeed system, trusted by a growing number of businesses, is purpose-built for a world where sustainability and efficiency are non-negotiable.
Regional Capability is National Capability
As the AUKUS Forum articles point out (see below), industrial strength in Australia is not confined to capital cities. It thrives in regional centres across NSW, including Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, and the Hunter Region.
Apollo Engineering is proud to contribute to this “One Big Factory” vision. By manufacturing Biofeed locally in Tamworth, we invest in people, strengthen communities, and keep full control over quality. Choosing Biofeed means more than securing innovative technology—it means supporting Australia’s sovereign capability and our transition to a circular economy.
New South Wales Government Rebates for a Sustainable Future
The NSW EPA’s food waste diversion laws apply to “relevant premises” such as supermarkets, hospitality venues, hospitals, correctional facilities, educational facilities, hotels, and similar businesses.
Compliance depends on weekly residual waste capacity, with the staged rollout as follows:
- From 1 July 2026: Premises generating 3,840 L or more of residual waste per week must divert food waste.
To support businesses in this transition, the EPA NSW is offering a new $6 million rebate program over the next three years to help businesses reduce waste, increase recycling, and improve their bottom line. To access the rebate, the end user must complete a Bin Trim waste assessment prior to installation, with the application managed by a registered Bin Trim Assessor.
Ready to Meet the Future?
The message is clear: the outlook for Australian manufacturing is strong, and regional businesses are at the forefront. We welcome the opportunities this new chapter brings and are ready to play our part.
At Apollo Engineering, we will continue to do what we do best: produce innovative, reliable, and compliant solutions like Biofeed. Built in Australia, built to last—we are proud to help shape a more resilient, self-reliant, and sustainable future.
Read the AUKUS Report
