2025 represents a pivotal milestone for Australia’s circular economy, marked by the implementation of critical national targets that are set to fundamentally reshape practices across the waste, water, and resource management sectors.
 
This landmark year signals an unprecedented opportunity for industries, government agencies, and community stakeholders to accelerate their transition toward sustainable, circular models that reduce environmental impact, optimise resource efficiency, and foster resilient economic growth.
​The Waste, Water and Resource Sector Futures Summit 2025 convenes a diverse assembly of thought leaders, innovators, regulators, and decision-makers committed to navigating the complexities of evolving policy landscapes and operational demands.
 
This high-level Forum in collaboration with Mines and Environment and Water Quality and Health Network,  facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge, evidence-based best practices, and real-world case studies that demonstrate scalable circular solutions.
 
Attendees will engage in robust dialogue designed to inspire collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment across sectors.​
Central to the Summit’s agenda are several critical themes driving Australia’s circular transformation:
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National Packaging and Plastics Recovery Targets:
Explore how diverse industries—from manufacturing and infrastructure to mining and energy—are navigating the 2025 national plastics packaging targets. This session focuses on embedding recycled content, managing soft plastics bans, improving supply chain traceability, and aligning with mandatory recovery standards across complex supply chain
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​Waste Export Bans and Circular Market Opportunities:
Understand the impact of Australia’s bans on exporting plastics, paper, tyres, and glass on domestic circular markets.
This session highlights opportunities for co-locating recycling hubs, repurposing site-generated waste, and fostering circular partnerships across industrial and resource sectors.
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E-Waste Regulation and Circular Compliance:
Review recent regulatory developments affecting end-of-life management for electronics, heavy machinery, and batteries. Gain insights into practical circular solutions, including digital tracking, accredited disposal pathways, and circular design principles tailored for mining, utilities, and broader industry.
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PFAS Management in Australia:
Gain a comprehensive update on PFAS regulations and emerging risk mitigation strategies. Learn how sectors such as waste, infrastructure, defence, mining, and water utilities are identifying, containing, and treating PFAS-contaminated sites using both established and innovative technologies.
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Water Efficiency, Reuse, and Quality Improvement:
Examine successful models of water recycling, stormwater harvesting, process water treatment, and real-time quality monitoring. This session highlights how water scarcity and ESG requirements are driving innovation across industrial and mining operations to deliver cost savings and environmental benefits.
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Designing Circular Closure and End-of-Life Infrastructure Planning include mine site restoration to water facility decommissioning 
Explore how public and private organisations are embedding circular economy principles into the decommissioning and rehabilitation of major infrastructure and industrial assets. From mine site restoration to water facility decommissioning, learn how materials recovery and land reimagining can reduce liabilities and support sustainable futures.
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Circular Infrastructure for Remote and Resource-Based Communities:
Discover closed-loop systems in energy, water, and waste management tailored for Indigenous communities, mining towns, and regional councils. Practical lessons from Australia’s most isolated locations demonstrate resilience, cost-efficiency, and collaborative design.
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Overcoming Barriers: Infrastructure Gaps and Circular Innovation in Regional Australia:
Address unique challenges faced by regional areas in circular transformation, including logistical costs and infrastructure deficits. This session spotlights innovative solutions such as mobile processing units, decentralised treatment systems, and circular economy
hubs, alongside key funding and policy mechanisms facilitating local transition.