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.
