Hub leader Prof Veena Sahajwalla AO has taken part in the Building Circular Economies: Innovation, Technology and Regional Leadership webinar.
The event was facilitated by Liz Ritchie from the Regional Australia Institute, the nation’s only independent think-tank dedicated to empowering Australia’s regions. The conversation explored key themes of our regional and remote opportunities research, including:
- practical steps for regional communities in the circular economy transition
- the rise of decentralised and localised recycling, manufacturing and remanufacturing
- the pivotal role of technology in tackling waste challenges.
The call also involved Andrew Taylor, CEO of the Regional Circularity Cooperative in the Bega Valley.
He noted that the circular economy transition requires both scientific and social innovation and has to make economic sense in regional settings.
“We talk a lot about shortening the supply chain... economics is going to drive this.”
Prof Veena encouraged communities, policy makers and industry to embrace ways to view and use waste as a resource.
“Why not look at every material and product so that it can become part of the supply chain?” Prof Veena said.
She also told listeners that decentralisation will be an important part of the conversation of the circular economy transition and that Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub research is helping equip decision makers with the knowledge needed to achieve this.
Learn more about our research into Fit for Purpose Technological Recycling Solutions, which aims to support opportunities for circularity and job creation in regional and remote Australia.
This webinar was funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
