1. Sector transformation - creating a new industry. The waste sector is being transformed by new market dynamics, with the waste export ban a catalyst for short-term reform. Challenges such as increasing resource consumption, waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions further support the case for change. The transformation presents compelling opportunities for cost reduction and new business creation.
2. Building community understanding - personal ownership. Improving awareness and understanding of the circular economy will help to transform Australia's relationship with resources and increase individual and community responsibility.
3. Nationally consistent policy - harmonisation. Inconsistent and unclear policy is a barrier to state and territory collaboration and further investment in resource recovery solutions. To meet the long-term needs of all Australians, Australia needs a nationwide approach to developing integrated, secure and cost-effective waste infrastructure.
4. Investing in Australia's market - new jobs, and less resources. Investing in domestic waste and resource recovery infrastructure would stimulate local economic activity by creating new jobs, products and revenue streams. It would also retain valuable resources within the local economy and reduce Australia's reliance on virgin materials.
5. Change through collaboration - a common approach. Australia's waste crisis can only be solved if multiple stakeholders work to change the whole system rather than addressing individual parts of it in isolation.