Saturday 21 February 2026
By Rich Evans
What does a circular economy precinct actually require to work in a regional setting?
That question shaped discussions at last Thursday’s Central West Circular Economy Precinct Accelerator Workshop, held in Orange and bringing together stakeholders from government, industry and the regional development sector.
Hosted by Regional Development Australia Central West, with support from the Central NSW Joint Organisation and facilitated by Circular Australia, the workshop was designed as a practical working session focused on real-world application rather than theory.
Leading the session was Lisa McLean, Managing Director and CEO of Circular Australia, a national independent not-for-profit organisation guiding Australia’s transition to a zero-carbon circular economy.
A recognised leader in circular economy and zero-carbon business transformation, Ms McLean has spent more than two decades advising industry and governments on policy frameworks and regulatory approaches that enable market-driven change.
Rather than relying on presentations, the workshop focused on structured discussions and collaborative activities aimed at unpacking how circular economy principles could be translated into practical, place-based opportunities for the Central West.
Circular economy thinking challenges the traditional “take, make, dispose” model by emphasising reuse, repair, resource recovery and smarter systems of production and consumption. While the concept continues to gain traction globally, participants acknowledged that regional implementation introduces its own distinct challenges.
Throughout the day, attendees examined what a circular economy precinct might realistically look like in the Central West, exploring regional strengths, infrastructure considerations, industry connections and potential constraints.
Discussions framed circular economy initiatives not simply as environmental measures, but as economic opportunities capable of driving innovation, improving efficiency and supporting long-term regional resilience.
The day also showcased examples of circular economy initiatives already emerging within the region.
Among the highlights were updates on Greenspot in Wallerawang, a project repurposing the former Wallerawang Power Station for sustainable industrial development, and Green Timber Technology in Orange, which is pioneering innovative approaches to housing through there unique approach guided by sustainability principles.
These projects provided tangible examples of how circular principles are moving beyond concept and into operational reality within the Central West.
In a region shaped by agriculture, manufacturing, construction and resource-based industries, such approaches were seen as increasingly relevant to future planning and investment strategies.
Insights gathered during the workshop will help inform the next phase of precinct-focused work across the Central West, contributing to broader strategic thinking around circular economy development.
As regional communities continue navigating economic transition, conversations like this are becoming an increasingly important part of shaping sustainable growth pathways.
Photo Credit: Lisa McLean, CEO Circular Australia. Photo by Kirsten Cunningham for RDA Central West.
