Limestone Coast region, SA
Population: 69,137
South Australia’s Limestone Coast region is supported by industries such as forestry, agriculture and fishing, with an emerging focus on manufacturing, tourism and retail trade. This landscape provides fertile ground for the integration of circular economy practices, yielding significant environmental and economic benefits.
Regional overview
The Limestone Coast region, positioned in the far southeast of South Australia, offers a unique amalgamation of natural beauty, economic diversity and a strong commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.
This case study was conducted across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Mount Gambier, Grant, Kingston, Robe, Tatiara, Naracoorte Lucindale and Wattle Range. The selection of the Limestone Coast as a case study was driven by its unique blend of geographical, demographic and industrial attributes, coupled with an existing foundation of sustainability initiatives.
Key learning: Utilise regional strengths
The region’s push towards a circular economy emerges not from individual champions but through a collective, industry-driven movement, particularly rooted in agriculture, forestry and fishing. This distinction stems from the area’s historical engagement with industries that inherently support circular economic practices.
The concept of a circular economy, while seemingly modern, is deeply engrained in the Limestone Coast’s industrial fabric. The region boasts a legacy of recycling and sustainable practices, as illustrated by a local mill that has been converting waste products into electricity for over 70 years. One interviewee who spoke to the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) noted, “It’s not a new thing...They wouldn’t have ever called it that [circularity]...but the concept has been in play for a very long time.”
Key learning: Forge strategic partnerships
Pioneering initiatives among industry sectors demonstrate the power of circular economy collaboration, transcending traditional business practices to embrace sustainability and innovation.
A prime example of such collaboration involves Holla- Fresh, a family-owned herb supplier in Tantanoola, Bio Gro, a provider of garden and landscaping products in Mount Gambier and Rainbow Bee Eater, a Melbourne-based technology firm.
The journey towards circularity began with Holla-Fresh’s ambition to reduce its carbon footprint and operational costs, prompting the exploration of renewable energy sources. Bio Gro became a vital partner in this endeavour, freely supplying the essential biomass residue material needed for Holla-Fresh’s new energy requirements. In return, Bio Gro utilises the biochar produced through the pyrolysis process. As a high-carbon charcoal, the biochar serves as an ideal, long-lasting soil additive and water retention medium, with potential applications in animal feed supplements, concrete strengthening, water filtration and road surfacing.
Rainbow Bee Eater’s ECHO2 technology, which converts organic residues into renewable energy, provided the technological foundation for this sustainable cycle. This solution not only addressed waste disposal challenges but also supplied Holla-Fresh with a sustainable and cost-effective energy source. As a result, Holla-Fresh significantly reduced its energy costs and emissions, achieving a carbon-negative status.
This process has created a sustainable loop, where waste from one process serves as the input for another, illustrating the essence of a circular economy.
Green Industries SA (GISA), a state government agency, has been crucial in the development of this initiative. As a facilitator and advocate for sustainable practices within the region, GISA played a key role in bridging the gap between Holla-Fresh and its partners. By coordinating the national expression of interest process, GISA not only identified the most suitable technologies and partners for Holla- Fresh’s goals but also provided the necessary support and resources to ensure the feasibility and implementation of the project.
This collaboration serves as an outstanding example of the circular economy in action. It has spurred innovation, created opportunities for three companies, boosted the regional economy, inspired new research and laid the groundwork for significantly reducing carbon footprints and achieving tangible business results. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving sustainable circularity.
Key learning: Capitalise on geographic location
The geographical positioning of the Limestone Coast region presents unique opportunities for cross-border collaboration in the circular economy. This strategic location, near the Victorian border, not only facilitates the movement of goods but also serves as a conduit for innovative recycling and waste management practices that transcend state boundaries. Cross-regional initiatives are bolstered with collaborative efforts extending to waste management and recycling facilities in Warrnambool and a new plastics recycling facility in Hamilton.
These collaborative efforts can also spur the development of new industries and opportunities within the region, contributing to economic diversification and resilience. As a waste management officer in the city of Mount Gambier highlighted, “We sit halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, and this is an advantage that amplifies the region’s potential as a hub for circular economic activities.”
Despite the advantages, such as the sharing of resources and expertise across state lines, the region faces legislative and policy hurdles that could impede the seamless implementation of circular economy practices. Challenges often arise from differing environmental legislation, waste management protocols and biosecurity requirements between South Australia and Victoria. These discrepancies can complicate the transport and recycling of waste materials across borders.
To address these challenges and harness the full potential of cross-border collaboration, the appointment of a Victorian/South Australian Cross Border Commissioner has been a significant step forward. This role facilitates discussions and negotiations between the states, aiming to harmonise regulations and create a more conducive environment for circular economy activities. The Commissioner plays a crucial role in overcoming obstacles that arise from the region’s geographical advantage. As one interviewee noted, “This role is critical in breaking down those legislative and political boundaries, enabling more streamlined and effective waste management strategies that leverage the region’s strategic location.”