The Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation has secured $400,000 in funding support from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to lead a major new regional initiative that will accelerate the transition to a circular economy across the Illawarra.

The project, Forging the Illawarra Circular Precinct, will support industry, government, researchers and community partners to strengthen material recovery, support local remanufacturing opportunities and build more resilient circular supply chains across the region.

Building on strong momentum generated through the Circular Illawarra Accelerator and existing regional partnerships, the initiative will focus on practical action to reduce landfill dependence and unlock greater value from commercial, industrial, construction and demolition material streams.

The Illawarra is uniquely positioned to lead this work, with significant industrial capability, established manufacturing expertise, logistics infrastructure, research institutions and strong regional collaboration already in place.

Through a phased delivery approach, the project will:

• map regional material flows and identify high-value recovery opportunities
• investigate behavioural and procurement barriers to resource recovery
• support pilot circular economy hubs and demonstration projects
• develop a digital materials exchange platform to connect businesses with reusable and underutilised materials
• strengthen workforce capability through skills development and micro-credentials
• create an investment-ready roadmap for future circular infrastructure and industry opportunities.

The initiative aligns strongly with the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 and supports broader state and national priorities around circular procurement, industrial symbiosis and local manufacturing.

The ISJO will deliver the project in partnership with organisations including the University of Wollongong, Circular Plastics Illawarra, NSW Government Sustainability Advantage program, BlueScope Steel and a broad network of regional industry stakeholders.

Regional Workshop

As part of the project rollout, the ISJO is inviting businesses, industry organisations and community stakeholders to participate in the Circular Illawarra Taskforce and help shape future circular economy opportunities for the region.

A regional workshop will be held to explore opportunities for circular procurement, regional materials exchange, pilot projects and local remanufacturing initiatives.  Workshop details are as follows.

12 June 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm

Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong

For more information contact the ISJO at info@isjo.nsw.gov.au. 

Please click on the image below to open the “Shaping the Future of The Illawarra” flyer and to access the workshop registration QR code.