Delivering energy infrastructure needs people, capability, and cohesion
Australia's energy transition requires more than technical plans. Discover four ways to build the people, culture and capability to deliver infrastructure at scale.
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A new report and practical guide by Circular Australia and Aurecon will be used to inform development in line with Australia’s ambition to achieve a circular economy by 2030.
'Circular Precincts: Activating place-based circular economy in Australia' report has been published as a set of principles to guide the implementation of major programs such as Net Zero, ReMade Australia, Manufacturing Modernisation Fund, National Reconstruction Fund, Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).
The report provides strategic recommendations for business, industry, and government on the conception, development and activation of circular precincts. It highlights the potential to develop new circular business models. These focus on sharing, repairing, remanufacturing, and processing secondary resources, all while fostering innovation and collaboration.
The accompanying 'Circular Precincts Guide' outlines four key steps to practically achieve circular economy outcomes in both existing and future circular precincts: 1. Engage and explore; 2. Design and deliver; 3. Attract and activate; and, 4. Monitor and manage.
The report and guide underscore the need for collaboration between government, industry, and researchers to advance circular precincts.
Circularity presents an immense opportunity to guide the evolution of new or existing precincts. The report and guide provide a framework for precincts to effectively allocate funding and effort, in line with ever-increasing decarbonisation, and sustainability, commitments and obligations.
The materials were formulated using insights from interviews with more than 30 subject matter experts from government, private sector, industry, and academic institutions.
In Australia and globally, both business and policymakers are increasingly recognising the value of circular precincts as a strategy to develop local and regional circular economies.
The scale of precincts can vary, and they can be found in cities, suburbs or regions. The common factor between any precinct from a circular economy perspective is the focus on creating systems that keep resources, materials, and products in use for as long as possible.
These precincts serve as hubs for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, aiming to maximise the value of resources locally while contributing to broader economic and environmental outcomes.
The report recommends leveraging precincts to catalyse new circular markets, to help support Australia’s journey towards its 2030 targets. Recommendations were grouped into four main categories:
Federal government – Six recommendations around funding, governance, policies, regulations and standards that would empower partnership models and support the transition to more circular precincts.
State and local government – Six recommendations ensuring place-based circularity approaches and facilitated circular community of practice through planning and development.
Finance and investment – Six recommendations centred on the importance for investors to consider linear and circular risk and standardise circular economy metrics and activities.
Industry – Three recommendations to facilitate circular community of practice and bringing circular precincts to life in collaboration with government and business.
Together with the accompanying guide, the report provides business, industry and government with the platforms to more deeply consider circular outcomes in the development and management of precincts.
The report and guide from Circular Australia and Aurecon represent a significant step in the ongoing effort to implement circular economy principles, models, and systems, aiming to establish a more sustainable foundation for economic growth.
This report was published by Circular Australia and Aurecon. Thank you to the researchers and contributors that have provided their insights and experience to the report and guide that helps to create a future circular pathway for precincts.
Circular Australia is an independent, national peak not-for-profit body working to transition Australians, governments and businesses to a circular economy by 2030. Aurecon's Jodie Bricout is a Board Member of Circular Australia, and Jenni Philippe Co-chairs its Precincts and Infrastructure Taskforce.
Contributing authors & reviewers: Jenni Phillipe and Jodie Bricout.
Managing Director, Water & Environment – Australia
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