Regional communities across the country are utilising their unique strengths to spearhead circular economy practices, but a new report by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) has found further government support, funding and coordination will be needed to ensure this innovative work continues in parallel to the net zero transition.
The RAI’s Circular Economy in Action: Regional Perspectives report provides an in-depth look at circularity, analysing current policy settings and highlighting circular practices underway in six diverse regions: Bega Valley (NSW), Limestone Coast (SA), Albury (NSW), Launceston (Tas), Rockhampton (Qld) and Central Desert (NT).
RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said although there is broad research on circular economy practices in urban areas, there has been limited focus to date on circular progress in regional communities.
“The transformation to a circular economy – a sustainability model for the efficient use of resources and reducing waste - will be fundamental for sustainable economic growth and helping to enable global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. We know regional Australia is playing a fundamental role in the transition and will be critical in our nation reaching its emission reduction goals. It is vital net zero and the implementation of circular practices happens simultaneously,” Ms Ritchie said.
“Regions already embracing circularity have leveraged strengths, be it through their geographic position or local industry make-up, showcasing to others what can be achieved utilising pre-existing resources. Leaders in these communities have also discovered circular practices are creating new jobs, furthering local economic diversity.
“The innovation communities are demonstrating in circularity should be celebrated and nurtured to ensure the regions can lead in this space.”
The report also found that individual initiative was often a catalyst for circular change; that collaboration will be key to implementing circular initiatives through public/private partnerships, education and research alliances, and community cooperation; and that focused investment is required to accelerate circular practices to address infrastructure, transport and industrial land access challenges.
Ms Ritchie said regional communities will need to take on a leadership role in the transition to more circular economies, if the nation is to meet its net zero goals.
“Regional Australia is no stranger to challenges, but to empower communities to adopt circular practices, governments at all levels need to champion the concept and create the enabling environment for regions to build sustainable, circular futures,” Ms Ritchie said.
The report makes eight recommendations:
- The establishment of a dedicated authority within state/territory governments to develop policy, coordinate planning and facilitate collaboration on circular economy activities.
- A review of the National Waste Policy and Action Plan to ensure industry capacity and infrastructure requirements adequately address regional challenges.
- A review of current circular economy policy to ensure upstream processes like design innovation and materials substitution are considered.
- The establishment of state-level circular economy data hubs to aggregate and summarise waste generation and material flow data collected by local governments.
- The establishment of a regional investment fund for circular economy initiatives.
- Ensuring local, state and national regulatory circular economy frameworks are aligned.
- The development of information and education campaigns to promote circular practices.
- That financial, technical and logistical support be provided to grassroots circular movements, such as repair workshops.
Ms Ritchie added that increasing circular practices is a priority of the Australian Government, with a national policy framework currently in development, as well as a Productivity Commission review underway into the opportunities a circular economy can bring.
“Circularity is in the national spotlight and this report will help shape and inform discussions about the importance of recirculating resources. It is imperative, as more circular practices are incorporated into Australia, that regional perspectives are included and considered to ensure this change in resource management can be adopted and implemented in all communities.”
The Circular Economy in Action: Regional Perspectives report will be launched by the Hon. Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government at the RAI’s Regions Rising Tasmania event in Launceston on Wednesday, 23 October 2024.
The Minister will deliver a keynote address at 11:40am.
The Hon. Jeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Trade and Major Investment will also deliver at keynote address at 10:20am.
The Regions Rising Tasmania program can be found here.
Regions Rising Tasmania
When: Wednesday, 23 October 2024
Time: 10am – 5pm
Where: Tramsheds Function Centre, 4 Invermay Road, Launceston
Media are invited to attend and are asked to register here.
The Circular Economy in Action: Regional Perspectives report was funded by the Australian Government, in conjunction with the NSW, Queensland, South Australian and Western Australian Governments.
For media enquiries contact:
Regional Australia Institute
Ph: 0498 373 300
E: [email protected]