The NSW Circular Economy Innovation Network has announced Lisa McLean has been appointed its first CEO.
NSW Circular works with government, industry, research organisations, and communities to initiate, create and communicate circular economy opportunities and solutions for the state.
The network is to deliver efficiencies through reuse and sustainability through waste reduction to boost productivity.
McLean said there has never been a more important time for government, businesses, research organisations, and people to be working together to build a circular economy.
“I’m passionate about building collaborations between these key stakeholders to bring in the kind of changes our society needs to create a sustainable future,” she said.
“Our challenge now is to develop new ideas and work practices, drawing on diverse skill sets and sectors, to create innovative, high impact strategies and solutions for NSW’s pressing waste issue.”
NSW chief scientist and engineer Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the new appointment would build on the strong foundations established in NSW Circular’s first year of operations.
“The Network has already engaged with communities across NSW to look at the technological and non-technological challenges involved in identifying and managing diverse material and waste streams, and how we can extract value from them.”
Margaret Harding, chair of NSW Circular said, “Having Lisa come on board, with her high-level experience as a senior executive in several organisations engaged in circular economy, renewable and recyclables markets, will enable NSW Circular to begin to extend its operations and develop sustainable business models and processes at scale.”
Prior to this appointment, McLean advised industry and governments in developing new policy frameworks and regulations that bring about market change to enable the circular economy.
She established and leads Open Cities Alliance, a peak industry association with unique membership from government to private sector and research organisations. Open Cities advocates for the circular economy, prosumer rights and new zero-carbon local utility and mobility precinct approaches.
