Bega Valley Shire Council

Focus: Unlocking the benefits that circularity can bring to our community.​

Background: Bega Valley Shire Council has been involved with the Regional Circularity Co-operative since 2021. Council has been embracing circular practice for many years, including water recycling, wastewater biosolid reclamation and land application, food and garden organics collection and processing, and renewable energy projects.​

Circular innovation: Council’s recent efforts have primarily concentrated on waste management. To achieve the national waste reduction targets, which aim to divert 80% of waste from landfill by 2030, it is necessary to recover a significant portion of what is currently considered waste. This means more recycling, greater reuse of materials and responsible consumer choices. Bega Valley Shire was one of the first local government areas in NSW to adopt FOGO and Council has continued to provide leadership and guidance in this space.​

Council has a net zero program and acknowledges community interest and concern in mitigating impacts from climate change by reducing its emissions. Council recognises the strong synergies and shared focus between net zero and circularity principles.​

Council has ongoing grant programs supporting community-led circularity initiatives such as the Bega Valley Repair Café.​

Impact and future development: Council has commenced a high-level circularity audit and opportunities assessment to clarify how its current operations support a circular economy and identify other circular economy opportunities within the organisation. When this work is complete, Council will have a clearer picture of its role in the circular economy, and how it might be able to collaborate with neighbouring councils to grow the broader regional circular economy, including through the Canberra Region Joint Organisation of Councils.​

For more information: www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/council/plans-and-strategies. ​