IPFA Australia

Driving Private Investment in Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure

Australia is increasingly embracing the circular economy in response to growing environmental and social pressures, particularly within the waste and recycling sector. The National Waste Policy Action Plan (2019) sets ambitious 2030 targets, including an 80% resource recovery rate and increased use of recycled content across industry and government. Achieving these goals will require significant investment in new waste infrastructure and upgrades to attract technology providers, contractors, financiers, and operators.

While government funding has helped catalyse early efforts, scaling the transition demands substantial private sector investment. However, several barriers continue to deter investors. Key challenges include the difficulty of securing long-term waste feedstock agreements—especially from local councils unable to guarantee minimum volumes—as well as issues around social licence, planning approvals, and high project risk profiles. Investors also face limited appetite for taking on fixed-price, fully wrapped construction and technology risk, which impacts bankability.

This event will explore the opportunities and challenges of attracting private capital into Australia’s waste and resource recovery infrastructure, a crucial step in advancing the nation’s circular economy agenda and unlocking long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Speakers to be announced soon.

Event details

Registration and Networking: 5.00pm

Welcome: 5.30pm

Keynote Address: 5.35pm - 5.50pm

Panel Discussion and Q&A: 5.50pm - 6.40pm

Networking and Drinks: 6.40pm onwards

Format: In-person event, Keynote, Panel discussion with Q&A, followed by a networking reception.

Address: Collins Square Events Centre - Assembly 1 and 2, Level 5, Tower 2/727 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008