The Bega Valley is slated to become the epicentre of circular innovation by 2026 with the unveiling of plans for Australia’s inaugural National Circularity Centre (NCC).
Spearheaded by the Regional Circularity Co-operative Limited (RCC) and key partners like Bega Group, the NCC, set to open in early 2026, aims to position the Bega Valley as the country’s foremost circular region.
The NCC, a cornerstone of the Bega Circular Valley 2030 Program, seeks to showcase and educate on circular transition efforts, functioning as an innovation hub.
Designed by Cox Architecture, the NCC aspires to attain the rigorous Living Building Challenge accreditation, signifying a commitment to green building practices.
Minister for Regional New South Wales, Tara Moriarty, commended the initiative as a beacon of hope for a community previously impacted by natural disasters.
“This project is a great example of government, education, private businesses and Indigenous organisations working together in a multi-purpose space to create smart jobs and new businesses opportunities for people living and working in Bega and surrounding areas,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The foresight and innovation propelling this project is something the Regional Circulatory Cooperative should be proud of, re-imagining waste into valuable resources that will support community development is paving the way for an exciting and prosperous future here in South East NSW.”
Chairman of the RCC and Executive Chairman of Bega Group, Barry Irvin, expressed enthusiasm about the unprecedented collaboration, emphasizing its potential impact nationally and globally.
“This place-based approach with broad support and collaboration across the economy is an Australian first,” Irvin said.
“We look forward to seeing what collaboration on this level can bring, both in Australia and beyond,” he said.
“We are drawing knowledge from many members of the community, and importantly from Indigenous Australians to sustainability experts across the world to help re-design a more sustainable world for future generations.”
The $19 million NCC’s construction is made possible through significant contributions from Bega Group and the NSW Government. Foundation members, including Deloitte, Rabobank, and others, are also making substantial investments.
The NCC, besides housing tourist facilities and event spaces, will feature immersive visitor experiences, including a real-time digital twin illustrating the circular transition across the Bega Valley.
The Bega Circular Valley 2030 Roadmap, outlining four flagship projects, aims to establish benchmark circularity models, employ technology at the NCC, incentivize biodiversity and carbon market participation, and enhance on-farm smart water security.
For more information and to get involved, visit Bega Circular Valley’s website.
Images & Videos: Bega Group
