Emerging Priority - Plant and Plastic Wastes in Regional and Remote Communities

A new paper from the Nature Connection Project, published in Ambio, provides evidence that people who feel more connected to nature report higher levels of wellbeing. 

Hub leader Prof Veena Sahajwalla AO has contributed to reporting on circular economy solutions for illegal tyre dumping. 

The Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub held a Science Showcase for some research stakeholder groups, including the Australian Government Environment Department and key research end users. 

Hub leader Prof Veena Sahajwalla AO has taken part in the Building Circular Economies: Innovation, Technology and Regional Leadership webinar, held by the Regional Australia Institute. 

A recent workshop in Alice Springs was held to discuss the Let’s Yarn About Smoke project, part of the Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub’s research on improving air quality.

A new Hub research project focused on green iron and steel made from recycled feedstocks has kicked off, working to support Australia’s transition to low-carbon materials production. 

A newly published journal article from IP1: Nature Connection and Wellbeing examines how Australians’ connection with nature relates to wellbeing and everyday environmental behaviours. 

The Hub is supporting action on ghost nets and marine debris that washes up on beaches in the Gulf of Carpentaria. 

Hub leader Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO served as the 2026 Australia Day Ambassador for Narrabri Shire Council in north west NSW. 

Hub researchers are working with councils and communities in Far North Queensland to translate circular economy science into practical waste solutions for regional and remote Australia. 

Regional councils and government agencies across the New England and North West NSW areas are exploring how fit-for-purpose recycling technologies could help respond to growing waste management pressures while supporting local employment and regio

The Nature Connection project has released a new policy summary translating national research findings into clear, decision-ready insights for governments and policymakers. 

Hub researchers were celebrated for their contribution to microplastics research at the Microplastics in Focus Conference.

The Hazardous Waste and Pollutants team have developed a new, more realistic way to assess how potentially harmful chemicals leach from materials made from recycled tyre rubber, especially roads and pavements.

Stakeholders from across Gippsland’s agricultural, recycling and government sectors came together in Morwell for a hands-on workshop tackling one of the region’s biggest on-farm waste challenges: silage wrap.

The Hub is working alongside Indigenous land and sea managers to weave together Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.

New Hub research uses the human–nature connection framework to investigate how people experience wetlands in Tasmania and what that means for fostering meaningful relationships with nature. 

The Hub’s Nature Connection team held a 2-day workshop in Tasmania to explore how Australians can better connect with nature.