On 4 March 2026, the ACCC issued a final determination granting authorisation to City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council to jointly:


negotiate, enter and give effect to contracts for the provision of food and garden organics (FOGO) processing services
deliver FOGO education and communication services.




The ACCC considers that the conduct is likely to result in a public benefit and that this public benefit would outweigh any likely public detriment.



The ACCC has decided to grant authorisation until 30 June 2036.



Further information is available on the ACCC’s public register.

ACCC Approves Joint Procurement for Organic Waste Processing

On 4 March 2026, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a final determination granting authorization to the City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council. This authorization allows them to jointly negotiate and enter into contracts for the provision of food and garden organics (FOGO) processing services.

 Additionally, the councils are permitted to deliver FOGO education and communication services as part of this joint initiative. The ACCC believes that this collaborative approach is likely to yield significant public benefits that outweigh any potential public detriment.

 The ACCC has granted this authorization until 30 June 2036, ensuring a long-term framework for the councils to work together on these essential services. Further details can be found on the ACCC’s public register.



ACCC Approves Joint Procurement for Organic Waste Processing

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has authorized the City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council to jointly procure organic waste processing services, citing public benefits.