New project to drive circular economy transition further in NSW Northern Rivers

The project will map out sustainable circular opportunities across the agriculture and food industry, manufacturing, the built environment, and community and social systems sectors in the Northern Rivers.  The design of a business case and an operational funding model for a Northern Rivers circular economy hub will be inclusive to all stakeholders and expand on the proposition of a new value chain design for the Australian red meat industry.

Professor Andrew Rose, Academic Director of Industry Collaboration at Southern Cross University, said the project builds on the success of the University’s ReCirculator program, which ran six successful pilot projects between 2021-2024 and laid the groundwork for regional material flow mapping and stakeholder engagement. 

“The ReCirculator gave us a starting point.  This project takes it further into applied systems design with a clear economic and governance lens.  We aim to move beyond discussion and deliver a tangible model for regional circularity,” he said.

Project partner SDG Align, Willem Overbosch, said the project was not building from scratch but would connect what already works and design what is missing.

 “The aim is to co-create a locally relevant, practical model that helps the region shift from linear to circular in how we use resources and design systems,” he said.

Supply Chain Innovation Lead at Meat & Livestock Australia, Alicia Waddington, said the initiative was part of the organisation’s strategy to deliver sustainability outcomes that improve productivity and profitability for producers. 

“Livestock operations are increasingly looking for circular solutions to deal with waste streams like manure, wastewater, and plastic.  This project is an opportunity to co-design scalable solutions that align with the sector’s sustainability goals and strengthen supply chain resilience,” she said.

Stakeholders from local businesses, councils, and community organisations are invited to participate through short interviews and upcoming co-design workshops.

For expressions of interest to participate in a co-design workshop, please get in touch with SDG Align at willem@sdgalign.com.au / 0477957911

About Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University is a leading Australian institution renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and regional development.  Through its flagship initiative, the ReCirculator program, the University is pioneering circular economy solutions by helping businesses transform waste into valuable resources.  The ReCirculator provides independent, research-driven advice and technology trials to support waste recovery, reuse, and resource regeneration.  

About SDG Align

SDG Align helps businesses, councils and regions turn sustainability into strategy.  Using a mix of online tools and practical frameworks, we prove that sustainability delivers growth with a purpose – driving circular innovation, efficiency, and measurable impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  

About Meat & Livestock Australia

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) works in partnership with industry and government to deliver products and services to the cattle, sheep and goat industries, and other entities along the supply chain.  MLA’s purpose is to foster the long-term prosperity of the Australian red meat and livestock industry by collaborating with stakeholders to invest in research, development and marketing initiatives that contribute to producer profitability, sustainability and global competitiveness.