A re-elected Labor Government will contribute $8.5 million towards the development of the National Circularity Centre in Bega.
This election commitment will go towards building the Centre, which will showcase the circular economy transition of the Bega Valley, and act as a beacon for circularity efforts across the country and internationally.
The project is expected to create a range of benefits for the Bega Valley and beyond, including increased collaboration and information sharing, diversification in local jobs and industries and increased supply chain collaboration.
The centre will include a:
- circular economy education centre, with extensive digital and physical elements demonstrating local, national and international circular economy initiatives and principles
- café and restaurant focusing on local food, with capacity for functions
- tourist information and heritage centre, with gift shop showcasing local circular products and produce
- location for circularity experts to come together to research and collaborate to drive the circular economy.
The total project cost is $27.5 million, with $14 million secured from the NSW Government and $5 million from Bega Group.
In a report commissioned by the CSIRO, KPMG estimates that the transition to a circular economy across food and agriculture, transport and the built environment could give Australia a $23 billion GDP boost by 2025 (1).
Food and Agriculture was identified as one of four key priority sectors in the Albanese Government’s Circular
Economy Framework released in 2024. The Bega Valley Circular Initiative was recognised as pioneering the circular economy in an agricultural region.
This commitment builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s strong record on waste and recycling including:
- Investing over $1 billion, alongside states, territories and industry, to recycle an extra 1.3 million tonnes – including facilities to recycle soft and difficult to recycle plastics. These projects are creating around 3,400 jobs.
- Embedding circular economy principles and actions in 30 Government policies and programs representing nearly $150 billion in expenditure, including the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund.
- Introduced a new Sustainable Procurement policy to make sure the Government buys more recycled things – one of the best in the OECD.
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:
“We know that circularity is not just good for the environment, it’s great for local economies too. For every one job in landfill there are three jobs in recycling.
“This commitment builds on the Government’s other investments to boost recycling. We’ve boosted recycling capacity by 1.3 million tonnes and created over 3,000 jobs, unveiled the ReMade in Australia brand to help consumers choose recycled products and we’re reforming packaging regulation to produce less waste in the first place.
“The choice at the election is clear. Labor is focused on creating jobs, making more things here, and better protecting our environment. Or Peter Dutton whose only promise is cuts, and the climate deniers and wreckers of the Liberal and National parties who haven’t made a single commitment that would help improve nature or support jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:
“This election commitment builds on a ten-year project that brings together federal, state and local governments, large and small businesses, universities, international expertise, community organisations – all with a common purpose of creating a circular economy.
“The Bega Valley is leading the way when it comes to the circular economy and the National Circularity Centre in Bega will further enhance this.
“The way of the future is circular economies – and I’m proud to be committing funding towards this historic project for our community.”
