The water sector is increasingly facing unprecedented challenges and disruptive change, as are many other sectors of the economy. The partial privatisation of water assets is just the beginning of this process and climate change impacts will exacerbate all these challenges. Action needs to be taken now if threats are to be turned into opportunities.

The focus of this inquiry is about recycling and waste management in Victoria, particularly in the wake of changes to the export markets and the impact these changes have had on participants in the Victorian industry and on the Victorian community.

This plan complements and supports the implementation of better waste management plans by state and territory governments, local government, business and industry.

Infrastructure Victoria has released its early findings for public comment in developing advice to government on how Victoria can build a better recycling and resource recovery industry. This paper outlines the options that are available.

This paper argues that until the Australian government can provide better leadership and investment, it is unlikely that the country will make particularly strong progress towards reducing food loss and waste.