How to use the regional circular economy plans

A circular economy requires shared involvement, commitment, and action. The regional circular economy plans aims to help guide circular economy outcomes in each region and across Victoria. The plans are designed for flexible use, by many users for multiple purposes.The Regional circular economy plans can be a resource to work together towards creating a sustainable and thriving circular economy.

They can be used for:

regional planning
research planning and design
infrastructure planning
funding program design
business strategy development
community education program design
and product design.

Local Councils in the region

As an input into strategic waste management planning.
To guide future procurement and purchasing.
To inform community education programs.
To promote collaboration across Local government areas (LGAs). Particularly in regional and rural areas where lower material volumes and reuse opportunities benefit from a regionally coordinated approach to be viable.
To enter collaborative projects with other agencies, private businesses and research institutions.
As a reference for future waste management community consultation programs and education programs.
To consider alongside the Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) for economic opportunities for circular economy in the region.
To support applications for funding.

Researchers and educators

To inform future areas of research.
To inform education programs.
To support applications for funding and proposals for the provision of goods and services.

Commercial and industrial operators and industry associations

To disseminate information and educate industry and consumers.
To encourage private investment.
To support the development of feasibility studies for new industry opportunities.
To inform future plant expansion and re-use opportunities.
To support applications for funding and proposals for the provision of goods and services

Water industry

To support applications for funding.
To support advocacy for regulations or legislation.
To inform future research, such as between water industry, local government, and the university sector.

Businesses and business associations

To identify potential end use markets.
To support business case development.
To support applications for funding and proposals for the provision of goods and services.

To understand the role/s that social enterprises could have in the circular economy and inform strategic planning.
To inform education programs.
To support applications for funding and proposals for the provision of goods and services.

Residential community and consumers

To understand the region's circular economy aspirations and priorities.
To understand the role/s that individuals could have in the circular economy.
To support applications for funding.

The waste and resource recovery industry

To identify potential waste management investment opportunities.
To measure region specific information and potential levels of service strategies.
To support applications for funding and proposals for the provision of goods and services.

Victorian Government and agencies

As an input into policy planning, including the 30-year infrastructure program, the Victorian Recycling Infrastructure Program (VRIP). Refer to the Recycling Victoria: A new economy policy.
To inform the design and implementation of funding programs, including the Regional Recycling Fund Round Two.
As an input into Recycling Victoria’s work program for circular economy outcomes in regional Victoria.
As an input into Sustainability Victoria’s work program for circular economy outcomes in regional Victoria.
To inform education programs, such as through Sustainability Victoria.

Federal Government

To influence product stewardship across Australia.
To inform design and implementation of national waste and recycling funding programs.
To harmonise any future national circular economy legislation.

Environment, water & energy

Updated 26 October 2022