model and others such as Revolve ( Canberra ) and the venerable Reverse Garbage ( Sydney ) were poised to develop and deliver the concepts nationally , funded by the Commonwealth and driven by new economic instruments signalling sustainable waste reform .
Unfortunately , a productivity commission erroneously determined increased waste generation was an indication of prosperity , rather than indication of future supply risks linked to finite resources , systems limits and economic loss . The roll out was stopped whereas in the EU it continued . The outcome ? Australian ’ s now throw out more than 2,700 kilo per annum , per person , ( EU 800 kilos per person per annum declining ) and are highly reliant upon imports .
REALISING THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY OF THE 21ST CENTURY The opportunities the circular economy presents for regional and urban Australia are nothing short of extraordinary . The European Union has done all the heavy lifting , and its most current frameworks can be transferred into Australian policy to ensure our systems do not need to undergo regular revisions and new and emerging business models simply replicated .
The Commonwealth Government ’ s next circular economic rotation should be a national economic impact assessment , informing the future work of the Circular Economic Commission and its partner Treasury .
Most importantly , to maximise new wealth generation opportunities , circular economic activity should be directed towards the top end of the waste hierarchy of avoid , reduce , reuse , repair followed by lower value activities of recycle .
Without prejudice , there is increasing evidence that systemic policy failure to adequately address risk , does and will continue to have a direct economic impact into the future .
THE LAST WORD FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY The COVID-19 and climate crisis has demonstrated high risks to the Australian economy related to imports , national production and supply capacity and loss of valuable products and materials through linear thinking . Genuine economic sustainability in a risk context works best when your production and manufacturing sectors are closest to home ; and your customers can access supply within national regions , with critically important items being designed for re-use then recycling where practicable .
Both circular economic principles and economic activity is designed to mitigate sovereign , and market risk , all without comprising or impacting on the ability of earth ’ s systems to restore and regenerate themselves , nor of humans to meet their current and future needs .
Circular Economics really is the greatest idea of the 21st Century .
B Mashman ’ s Curchill Report is available ‘ A Circular Economy Blueprint - An investigation of innovative waste reduction models for dissemination in Tasmania – Belgium , Sweden and the UK 2019 ’ and can be accessed
here .
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
RENA DARE Rena Dare is a founding member of the Resource Work Co-operative with Brad , managing the start-up of Glenorchy and Hobart Tip Shops , as well as a start- up consultant for Mornington Park waste transfer station and is a qualified general business manager . Rena consequently worked for DPAC for 10 years in Tasmania . Rena is currently Financial Director of Recovery and specialises in operating systems , writing operations manuals , and commissioning found object art to tell the story of waste and sustainability . Rena has won multiple awards including the Queens Trust for her leading work .
BRAD MASHMAN Brad Mashman CF Managing Director Recovery ( Tas ) Pty Ltd . Brad is a Churchill Fellow ( A Circular Economic Blue Print-Belgium , Sweden and UK 2019 ) is a professional and pioneer in the circular economic waste reform space with experience and knowledge in the policy , strategic , economic and business realisation , reduction , auditing , reuse and recycling market development of all types of products and materials . Brad was previously a hydraulic engineer ( shipping ) and Industrial Designer .