FAQs

The Northern Territory Government is committed to rebounding and growing the Territory economy. The Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission Final Report steps out how the NT Government will achieve its ambition to boost the population, create 35,000 more jobs and achieve a $40 billion economy by 2030.

What is a circular economy? 

A circular economy is an economy in which products are designed to be reused, repaired or repurposed, and natural systems are regenerated. Applying circular economy principles means turning waste into a valuable resource, which means it is kept out of the environment where it can cause harm, and inside the economy where it can create value, jobs and growth.

Why a circular economy for the Territory?

In 2018 all Australian states and territories developed the National Waste Policy: More Resources, Less Waste 2018, which is based on circular economy principles to reduce waste, increase the use of waste as a resource, and protect the environment. 

Adopting a circular economy approach in the Territory will assist the Territory to address existing waste challenges and realise new and emerging economic opportunities. A circular economy will help us to meet the Territory’s responsibilities under the National Policy, assist in delivering the $40 billion by 2030 vision, while at the same time ensuring our precious Territory environment is protected from the harmful impacts of waste.

What will the impact on business be?

The impact to business will be minimal, as the NT Government will provide support through its workforce development support programs for Territory employers to upskill or reskill existing workers through skill sets or qualifications in occupations or industry sectors affected by change. 

The NT Government will also provide funding through its Business Growth Programs to enhance Territory business, performance, profitability, workforce levels and market access.  

Economic activity and job growth will be further supported by investing in businesses and systems that increase the Territory’s overall recovery and recycling rate.

Is there any funding available?

The provision of funding to achieve a circular economy will be through the initiatives such as Local Jobs Fund, a Circular Economy Development Fund and advanced manufacturing and investment fund to enhance recycling and reuse capacity and capability.

 The NT Government with the support of the Commonwealth, will undertake a competitive grants program to support projects that enhance tyres, plastic, glass and paper recycling and reuse capacity and capability based in the Territory.

What does this mean for me?

Every Territorian has a responsibility to protect the environment. We can do this by reducing the waste we generate, and reusing and recycling waste wherever we can. This could be as simple as using a keep cup for a morning coffee, filling up a water bottle to avoid buying bottled water, take your beverage containers to a local depot for a 10c redemption. Every little bit helps.

Under the draft Northern Territory Circular Economy Strategy 2022 – 2027, incentives to further reduce, recycle and reuse waste will be considered. This may include ‘right to repair’ options in the Territory, or increasing accessibility to existing schemes to return end of life items for recycling (e.g. tyres, electronics, paints, mattresses, batteries).

Is it going to cost me more to dump my waste?

The draft Northern Territory Circular Economy Strategy 2022 – 2027 seeks to encourage reducing, reusing and recycling waste for as long as possible, and avoid landfilling where possible. The strategy commits to considering the costs and benefits of a waste levy in the NT but this does not necessarily mean that the cost of waste disposal in the NT will increase.

How do I provide my feedback?

Feedback from Territorians on the draft Northern Territory Circular Economy Strategy 2022 - 2027, is encouraged to better understand what the community would want and expect from this strategy, and how the Government can work to meet these aspirations.

You can provide your feedback via Have Your Say at haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/circulareconomy.

This feedback will help shape the final Northern Territory Circular Economy Strategy 2022 - 2027.

Feedback closes on Sunday 30 January 2022. 

For more information visit NTEPA.nt.gov.au or email Waste.NTEPA@nt.gov.au.