Sustainability Victoria supports councils shift to a circular economy

Sustainability Victoria has hosted circular economy workshops with more than 47 councils, helping local governments turn circular economy thinking into action and results.

To date, more than 250 participants from 47 councils have taken part in the Circular Economy 101 Workshops.

These are designed to introduce the circular economy as a practical, business-focused approach to boosting economic resilience, supporting regional prosperity, and reducing environmental impact.

In May, two workshops were held in Mildura, bringing together staff from across council departments including procurement, engineering, sustainability and resource recovery.

The training, held at the EcoLiving Centre gave participants the tools to identify circular opportunities within existing procurement and operations processes.

Jessica Morthorpe, Regional Engagement Lead for Sustainability Victoria said workshops like these shift thinking and practice at the same time.

“We equip councils to apply circular principles in real-world scenarios – and we create the internal networks to support those shifts over the long term,” said Morthorpe.

Workshops covered both foundational circular economy knowledge and procurement-specific tools and case studies, with strong emphasis on cross-team engagement.

Similar sessions have been rolled out across regional Victoria, including Warrnambool, Mansfield, and Bass Coast – to build capability and opportunity across Victoria.

In addition to education, Sustainability Victoria’s funding programs have provided aid in the conversion of circular economy proposals into operational infrastructure.

One example is the new organics processing facility in Ultima in New South Wales, launched in May by Swan Hill Rural City Council.

The upgraded facility began as a feasibility study funded through Sustainability Victoria’s Circular Economy Councils Fund in 2020. It was later co-funded for construction through the Circular Economy Organics Sector Transformation Fund.

The $1.35 million facility can process up to 2500 tonnes of organic material each year.

It will support 14 construction jobs and three ongoing roles – and lays the groundwork for future regional collaboration on food and garden organics (FOGO) services.

Luke Wilkinson, Manager Regional Engagement of Sustainability Victoria said waste and pollution are not just environmental issues – they are economic inefficiencies.

“Supporting circular approaches helps councils cut waste costs, build local capacity, and create new opportunities for jobs and investment,” said Wilkinson.

“Councils that support circular economy initiatives help build stronger, more resilient local economies.

“In doing so, councils position themselves as leaders in climate action and long-term economic prosperity.”

For more information, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/