Regional Circularity Co-operative Limited

The ‘Bega Circular Valley 2030’ program is a transformational, high-impact regional development initiative with the pioneering vision to establish the Bega Valley as the most circular regional economy by 2030. Built on comprehensive collaboration, it will serve as demonstration of place-based, whole of economy transition from which other regions and businesses can learn. Such a transition will improve the resilience of our regional communities.

A circular economy is based on three principles, driven by design:

•Eliminate waste and pollution

•Circulate products and materials at their highest value

•Regenerate nature and social systems

With Bega Group as the driving force, the Regional Circularity Cooperative (RCC) was established in 2021 to facilitate this transition. The RCC has garnered strong partnerships with community, business, corporates, academia and government, all working together to demonstrate transition pathways through pilots in the Bega Valley and beyond. A roadmap and project business cases have been developed and shape the work going forward. The range of projects and partnerships that the RCC is working on is continuously evolving.

Current key projects in the Bega Circular Valley program include the:

•design and construction of the National Centre for Circularity in Bega

•national circularity in Fisheries and aquaculture program, in partnership with the FRDC

•decarbonisation in agriculture (dairy and beef) pilot program in partnership with NSW DPI

•energy efficiency in agriculture program in partnership with the NSW Decarbonisation Hub

•baselining of circularity and opportunity identification in partnership with CSIRO and others

•supporting numerous local initiatives and businesses

The National Centre for Circularity is funded by the NSW Government and Bega Group and designed by Cox Architecture. It will be built by the RCC in Bega over the coming two years. The centre will showcase the circular economy transition of the Bega Valley and act as a lighthouse for efforts across the country and internationally. The centre will include a:

•circular economy education centre, demonstrating local, national and international circular economy initiatives

•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