The Federal Government has commissioned further research on construction and demolition waste management and resource recovery.
It is also assessing current and future waste management and resource recovery infrastructure capacity focusing on volume and potential markets.
The commitments were outlined in the Government’s response to the From Rubbish to Resources: Building a Circular Economy report published in December.
The December report made 24 recommendations, including that the Commonwealth consult with state and territory governments and work towards identifying and harmonising relevant waste management and resource recovery policies and legislation to enable a seamless, coordinated and integrated industry across the country.
The Government said it supports this “in principle”.
“The Commonwealth recognises the importance of harmonising relevant waste management and resource recovery policies and legislation and is working closely with states, territories and local governments to implement a program of waste reform measures through the National Waste Policy Action Plan.”
The response “noted” another recommendation that the Commonwealth examine measures for rural, regional and remote communities to access adequate funding to invest in local waste management and resource recovery infrastructure and solutions.
“Management of waste in regional, rural and remote communities is primarily the responsibility of state and territory governments,” it said.