Anew report has been launched to highlight unique circular economy opportunities for the Limestone Coast and areas of strength and potential which offer the best pathways for sustainable development .
The Circular Economy Opportunities Limestone Coast report was developed by Green Industries SA (GISA) with Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC).
GISA chief executive Ian Overton said circular economy was another way of doing business as opposed to the regional linear economy, which was ‘take-make-waste’.
“Instead of just taking products from the earth, using them up for a short period of time and then putting them in the ground, we want to keep products in use for as long as possible,” Mr Overton said.
“That will reduce our impacts on the earth through extractions and waste and it will keep those materials in use and provide opportunities for economic growth and jobs.”
Boandik Elder Ken Jones performed a Welcome to Country and guest speakers included Mr Overton, RDALC chief executive David Wheaton and board deputy chair Alan Richardson, Bio Gro Group sustainability manager Emma Daly and Transmutation director Brad Scott.
Mr Overton introduced the circular economy broader principles in a national and state context and discussed why GISA supported a regional approach.
“The report suggests a number of priority areas and some sector plans that we could move to a circular economy in the region,” Mr Overton said.
“The next steps are now to embrace the community and businesses to start to adopt and move to those new business plans and also to flesh out some new ideas as well.”
Mr Wheaton and Mr Richardson discussed the importance of circular economy in the Limestone Coast and highlighted areas of opportunity identified for the region.
Ms Daly spoke about the importance of Bio Gro’s role regarding organic and food waste management and regenerative agriculture and soil health.
Mr Scott discussed his sustainable Robe business, Transmutation, and what circular economy and developing recycled plastics manufacturing was like in business practice.
Mr Overton said the whole world had to adopt a circular economy, which was particularly true in regional areas where there was lots of waste.
“But also then that means a lot of opportunities for small businesses to grow and for businesses to become more circular and be part of the whole ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) movement,” he said.
“We have been really surprised at the innovation that is coming from regional areas, they can see that opportunity to have a change and they are not afraid to start small which is really important to just get going in small businesses and see where they grow.”
