ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the concept of Industrial ecology (IE) and its application in Australia. The goal of IE is to close the loop on energy loss and waste within current linear modes of extraction, production consumption, and disposal. The focus of discussion in the chapter is primarily on eco-industrial systems. Planning laws, ordinances, codes and regulations place very tight controls on land use activities associated with industrial development. Most Australian industrial estates are low-density, segregated sites, with wide roads and setbacks, minimalist landscaping and low-set buildings with very low site coverage. Significant research has been conducted on the Kwinana industrial area to examine the potential of synergies in support of IE. Synergy Park illustrates the difficulties faced by the Queensland government in trying to foster the development of IE in that state. The policy of the Queensland government focuses on waste minimisation, with the aim of halving the amount of waste sent to landfill by 2020.
