Mayors Message Thursday 9 September 2021

I think one of the most conspicuous impacts of COVID-19 has been the greater awareness in our global vulnerability and the increased threat to local economies and efficiencies.

Well before pandemic and consistently in recent community consultation there has been a clear call for council action around initiating a more environmentally sustainable future for our city.

In July, the City of Ballarat signed up as one of forty-six Victorian Local Governments to the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) as part of Australia’s largest ever emissions reduction project to switch to 100% renewable energy.

This week we see yet another significant and exciting environmentally sustainable initiative in the launch of ‘Circular Ballarat’.

The Circular Ballarat Framework aims to reduce waste while creating raw materials from rubbish that can then be used in manufacturing, rather than a linear “take-make-waste” system. 

The Circular Ballarat Framework includes three new initiatives aimed at helping businesses of all sizes through difficult COVID-19 times: 

• The CSIRO’s ASPIRE Program - an online marketplace for local businesses to both sell and buy waste.
• Circular Economy Ready, Set, Grow Business Growth Program - helping 20 participant businesses examine their operations through a circular lens. 

• Circular Ballarat: Detail Materials Flow Analysis and End Market Opportunities - a detailed regional material flows analysis to better understand what resources are used in our economy, where resources are sourced, what they are used to do, where they are consumed and how businesses manage their waste.  

There is no doubt transitioning to a circular economy will not only increase the profitability of local businesses but will also result in a healthier place for our community. I would encourage all business to visit the City of Ballarat website and see how they can benefit.

Whilst such initiatives are exciting, they cannot be pursued unless we remain healthy as a community and whilst this Thursday is “RUOK?” day, I would encourage everyone to keep that message in mind every day for loved ones, friends, and neighbours.

Mayor

Cr Daniel Moloney