February 13, 2023

New Bega centre will explore circular economy

University of Wollongong key research and technology partner

A new multi-purpose tourism, community and research hub, the National Circularity Centre (NCC) will be built in Bega to develop market-leading research and demonstrate replicable models for the circular economy – where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use, before recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their life.

The University of Wollongong (UOW), through its memberships of the Regional Circularity Cooperative (RCC), will be a driving partner to establish the Centre, bringing research expertise in energy, materials innovation and sustainable building practises.

The Bega Valley is the perfect location to prove the concept of the circular economy because it is a natural water catchment and has relevant industries thriving in the district – tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and Australian food producer, Bega Cheese – and a strong resilient community who are open to change. There are only two highways in and out of the valley making measurement of inputs and outputs feasible.

The NCC will be a test case for scalable solutions with potential for world-wide application.  It will offer business and edu-tourism opportunities where visitors can see solutions they can implement in their own workplaces and homes. It will boast a range of immersive displays and experiences, and include a visitor centre, conference and event facilities, provedore store and cafe as well as a playground for tourists and locals alike to enjoy.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Strategy and Assurance) Professor Sean Brawley said: “UOW has a proud history of working in the Bega Valley for over 23 years through our Bega campus, and we’re excited to collaborate on this new national centre working towards a sustainable future in our region. 

“Our business accelerator iAccelerate has been operating in the Bega Valley supporting innovation and circular business ideas, such as the recent Bega Circular Valley Challenge.

“UOW is the home of the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) and we are part of an international cross disciplinary team, recently funded by CSIRO and the National Science Foundation USA, that is focused on finding a solution to the scourge of plastic and further integrating the material into the circular economy, to be reused for other value-added purposes.”

The $19 million Centre, which is expected to open in early 2026, will reflect sustainable, net-zero, circular design principles and will seek a Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. It will drive towards self-sufficiency through solar panels, rainwater collection, self-ventilated, floor heating, large overhangs and critical mass provided by walls.

The vision is for the Bega Valley to become the most circular region in Australia by 2030, enabling regional resilience and transition to net zero.

The driving force of the RCC is Bega Cheese, with significant and growing support from a wide range of entities and groups including Rabobank, KPMG, Bega Valley Shire Council, Charles Sturt University, Meat and Livestock Australia, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Regional NSW, Local Land Services, NBN, Bega Beef Coop, Far South Coast Dairy Development Group, Aboriginal Land Councils, Landcare and the South East NSW Forestry Hub.