The ACT Government plans to reduce the impact we have on the environment and create more jobs through our Circular Economy Strategy.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel 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 bring together Government, industry, business and the community to keep valuable materials in use for as long as possible," Minister Steel said.
Five key focus areas are identified under the strategy. These include food and organics, the built environment, consumer goods, emerging and problematic waste streams and creating space to showcase our commitment to the circular economy.
"Food and organics is a priority for the Government in building a circular economy and bringing down waste emissions. 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.
"As a sustainable city, circular building and construction methods that have low embodied emissions will be prioritised by the ACT Government utilising the latest technology and standards. The strategy proposes to use combined ACT and NSW Government procurement as a lever to mandate the use of 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. We want to hear from the community about what the ACT 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 cafes, 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."
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 2022.
Once the circular economy strategy is finalised, action plans will be developed which will inform the development of future circular economy legislation, outlined in the 10th Parliamentary Agreement.
