Feedback sought on circular economy plan

THE Surf Coast Shire is seeking community feedback on their Circular Economy Action draft plan.

A circular economy is intended to keep valuable resources in use and out of landfill for as long as possible by reusing, repairing, sharing, and recycling.

“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.”

The plan has five priority areas:

Avoiding waste and increasing resource recovery

Maximising reuse

Innovation and collaboration

Creating systems change, and

Advocacy.

The three-year plan outlines 25 actions within these priority areas. These actions include:

The 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.

The shire 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, and

Development of a plan for Anglesea landfill following its expected closure in 2027.

Reducing household, food and garden waste going to landfill will also be a community target.

Cr Bodsworth said there were some great circular economy initiatives already in the community and developing this action plan will enable greater focus and guidance on priority areas.

“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.”

The community engagement process with take place over eight weeks across March and April, and in-person engagement sessions will also run during this time.

For more information, and to provide feedback, head to yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au