Queensland’s shift towards a circular economy steps up a gear

The future of Queensland and transitioning to a circular economy, that is both sustainable in resilient, is one of the keys to combatting climate change.

In speaking at The Circular Economy: It’s Our Future forum last night, Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to driving the conversation about tackling climate change and improving waste management while supporting new industries and jobs growth.

“This forum was a great example of what we need to do across the globe: share knowledge, discuss how a circular economy can combat climate change, and examine ways to make this happen,” Ms Enoch said.

“We know we need to move to a more circular way of thinking when it comes to waste management, where waste is considered as a valuable resource instead of the current method of where we ‘take, make and dispose’.

“Here in Queensland, we know the shift towards a circular economy is also key to combating climate change, and aligns with our Government’s plan for a more sustainable, low carbon economy with the aim of achieving zero net emissions by 2050.

“It was great to hear last night how entrepreneurs, start-ups and researchers have been contributing to the development of a circular economy in Queensland.

“Important initiatives that change how we think about, better use, and manage materials, resources and waste, are critical to our future that supports new industries and creates more jobs.”

Ms Enoch said the Government’s draft Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy helped put Queensland on the path towards a circular economy.

“This long-term strategy includes initiatives such as the container refund scheme and the ban on single-use plastic bags that focus on shifting attitudes to encourage more recycling and a re-use mindset,” Minister Enoch said.

“Our strategy, which is underpinned by a waste levy on landfill that will come into effect on July 1, will grow the recycling and resource recovery sector and create more jobs, while reducing the amount of waste ending up in landfill across the state by promoting more sustainable practices for business, industry and households.”

Circular economy company BlockTexx, which attended last night’s forum, engage the textile industry to achieve waste reduction, landfill diversion and create high-quality recycled products for use across many industries.

Co-founder of BlockTexx Mr Graham Ross said the circular economy business model would lead to the creation of new markets.

“Through new initiatives to advance the development of a circular business economy, environmentally and socially driven business models will drive new revenue streams and open up new markets across the state,” Mr Ross said.

Ms Enoch said there is a new road ahead for Queensland as we embrace the challenges and opportunities that sustainability and climate change bring for Queensland.

“This year, Queensland will host Asia-Pacific’s first ever Climate Week in June.

“Climate Week Queensland is an opportunity for our State to showcase its credentials in the climate change policy space, both domestically and internationally.

“The Palaszczuk Government has committed to a target of zero net emissions by 2050 with an interim target of reducing emissions by at least 30 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030."

For more information about the Queensland Government’s waste strategy visit www.qld.gov.au/wastestrategy.

For more information about the Circular Economy Lab please visit http://www.circularecolab.com

Media contact: 0437 859 987