Responding to significant changes in the sector, the 2021 Plan includes waste for the first time.
Australia is one of the world's largest waste generators per capita,46 yet waste infrastructure has traditionally been a peripheral consideration in land use planning, zoning and design. Waste management is not considered an essential public service like energy and water and the sector's performance is opague.
The sector is undergoing a major transformation because of changing global market dynamics, the National Federation Reform Council (NFRC) waste export ban and the impacts of the pandemic.
These are acting as a catalyst for short-term reform. However, other challenges such as increasing resource consumption and the link between waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions support the case for greater change.
Moving to a circular economy, where waste is designed out of the system and resources are valued, will bring down business costs, support new industries and jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase efficient use of natural resources such as water and energy.
To support this transition, Australia needs an integrated, secure and cost-effective waste infrastructure that is fully transparent and meets the long-term needs of its people.