The ACT Government plans to reduce its impact on the environment and create more jobs through its Circular Economy Strategy.
Canberrans are asked to help guide the ACT’s vision for a circular economy through https://yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/circular-economy. Feedback closes on 8 December.
Once the circular economy strategy is finalised, action plans will be developed which will inform future circular economy legislation, outlined in the 10th Parliamentary Agreement.
Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport and City Services, said the Government’s new strategy is designed to ensure that the ACT continues to lead the way as a sustainable, net-zero city.
“The draft strategy outlines a new vision for building Canberra’s circular economy by bringing together Government, industry, business, and the community to keep valuable materials in use for as long as possible,” Mr Steel said.
The strategy identifies five key focus areas: food and organics; the built environment; consumer goods; emerging and problematic waste streams; and creating space to showcase the government’s commitment to the circular economy.
“Food and organics [are] a priority for the Government in building a circular economy and bringing down waste emissions,” Mr Steel said. “Ahead of the rollout of Canberra-wide FOGO collection, we are kickstarting a conversation with food businesses about mandating organic waste being diverted from landfill and reducing the amount of this waste being created in the first place.”
The ACT Government will prioritise circular building and construction methods that have low embodied emissions using the latest technology and standards. The strategy proposes combining ACT and NSW Government procurement to mandate sustainable and recycled materials in infrastructure.
“The strategy also canvasses opportunities at the start of the supply chain to encourage greater action on the circular economy from producers and importers of goods,” Mr Steel said. “We want to hear from the community about what the ACT’s role should be in supporting product stewardship schemes for more consumer goods.
“The availability of land for the circular economy to thrive is a key challenge for the ACT. Identifying more land for an ACT circular economy innovation hub is one idea proposed to support jobs, research, and start-ups to be able to implement their ideas and scale-up their operations to extend the life of the ACT’s resources.”
The ACT Government is already supporting new economic opportunities, such as:
- a new Materials Recovery Facility
- the ACT Container Deposit Scheme
- FOGO collection pilot
- bulky waste collection
- single-use plastics bans
The Canberra community and businesses are producing some great initiatives such as repair cafés, the tool library, Green Caffeen reusable cups, and thriving second-hand markets.
“We want to support industry and businesses who are taking advantage of the opportunities that come from being a sustainable city, supporting innovation and create good local jobs.”
More information about the draft ACT Circular Economy Strategy 2022-25 is available on the Everyday Climate Choices website (www.climatechoices.act.gov.au).
Greens welcome initiative
Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for the Circular Economy, welcomed Mr Steel’s announcement that the ACT Government is consulting on a new draft Circular Economy Strategy, and encouraged all Canberrans to have their say on the draft ACT Circular Economy Strategy on YourSay.
“Endless consumption on a finite planet does not work,” she said.
In August, Ms Clay released a Circular Economy discussion paper. “That paper came from deep community and business consultation, and it’s great to see many of the same ideas included in the new Strategy,” Ms Clay said.
“The ACT Greens called for food waste recycling for households and businesses in our Parliamentary Agreement. We have a thriving local industry of composters and organic recyclers. I’m looking forward to seeing what role they may play, particularly in our schools and business recycling.
“I’m glad that construction waste and the built environment are a focus. The Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment highlighted these as a major source of climate emissions. Our largest waste streams come from masonry materials and construction and demolition, so it’s great to see this as a focus.
“Looking at problem waste streams is also positive. The ACT generates around 1 million tonnes of waste and recycling each year. Avoiding waste in the first place and recycling what we create will help. Clothing, appliances, packaging, and consumer goods are all part of this story.
“Sustainability means our children and their children can continue to live in a healthy environment, using only what we need and avoiding waste. That is not currently the way we live. The Greens have been calling for a new approach for decades. A Circular Economy is a great step forwards.”
