Surf Coast Shire Council will seek community feedback on a draft Circular Economy Action Plan, which aims to drive action within Council operations and the community to avoid waste, increase resource recovery and regenerate nature.
In contrast to a linear economy, which is based on a take-make-use-dispose approach, a circular economy keeps valuable resources in use for as long as possible through reusing, repairing, sharing and recycling – avoiding waste and helping protect the environment.
Council resolved at its February meeting to endorse the draft action plan for public exhibition and an eight-week community engagement period across March and April.
The three-year plan includes a range of actions and targets, with five priority areas:
- Avoiding waste and increasing resource recovery
- Maximising reuse
- Innovation and collaboration
- Creating systems change, and
- Advocacy
Within the priority areas, the plan outlines 25 actions, including:
- Development and delivery of targeted community education and behaviour change programs to drive waste avoidance, increased resource recovery, and smarter consumption including buying recycled and sharing.
- Council opting for use of products and materials with recycled content for projects, asset renewal and maintenance, with priorities including steel, bitumen, concrete, timber and bollards.
- Development of a plan for Anglesea landfill following its expected closure in 2027.
Community targets include reducing waste to landfill per household, increased resource recovery and reducing food and garden waste in landfill.
“A circular economy will help us manage materials responsibly, where possible reusing rather than simply consuming, while still enabling sustainable economic growth,” Cr Mike Bodsworth said.
“Everyone has a role to play, from the broader community through to industry, businesses, research and education facilities, and all tiers of government.
“While there are already many examples of positive steps being taken in our community towards a circular economy, by developing this action plan we will enable greater focus and guidance on priority areas to work towards a low-waste future.
“There are lots of great circular economy initiatives already operating in our communities and a strong local interest in environmental leadership. I’m sure local circular economy champions will take a keen interest in the plan and its implementation, in collaboration with Council.
“This will in turn help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our people, our place and our environment.”
Community members can learn more about the draft Circular Economy Action Plan and provide feedback via online and in-person engagement sessions during a two-month engagement period starting 1 March.
People will be able to find a copy of the draft action plan, engagement details and provide feedback via www.yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/circulareconomy
This action plan is supported by the Council Plan 2021-2025 and the Climate Emergency Response Plan 2021-2031, which clearly outline Council’s commitment to strong action to avoid and reduce waste, and reuse and recover resources.
