The ACT Government last week launched for community feedback its draft ACT Circular Economy Strategy 2022-25.
The draft strategy identifies five key focus areas, including food and organics, the built environment, consumer goods, emerging and problematic waste streams, and creating space to showcase the territory’s commitment to the circular economy.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said the draft strategy outlines a 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.
“Food and organics is a priority for the Government in building a circular economy and bringing down waste emissions,” he 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.
“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 New South Wales 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 undertaking initiatives designed to support the development of a circular economy, including a new Materials Recovery Facility, the ACT Container Deposit Scheme, a FOGO collection pilot, bulky waste collection, and single-use plastics bans.
Canberra communities and businesses are also producing initiatives such as repair cafes, a tool library, Green Caffeen reusable cups, and 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,” Minister Steel said.
Canberrans can have their say on the ACT’s vision for a circular economy until 8 December 2022.
For more information, visit: www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au
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