You may have seen a notice on their website announcing the agency’s closure. But they’re not dead yet. Here is a brief overview (via Google) of the publicly announced changes. A clear outcome of the Silver Review is the abolition of statutory authorities. These types of authorities have often been amalgamated over the last few decades. The closure is stated as achieving cost savings in organisational infrastructure (offices, IT, branding, etc.). The work of the agency, and its predecessors, will live on. The efficient use of energy, water, and other resources makes its final transition from niche interest to mainstream concern. A greater focus on significant infrastructure enablement is welcome. Efforts to reduce the household cost of waste are especially welcome. Merri-bek Council is in the midst of an unpopular cut to its household waste services due to cost. Some niche interests, such as sustainable fashion, while worthy, don’t represent good value to the Victorian taxpayer.
The future of Sustainability Victoria (SV) involves a significant transition, as the Victorian Government has determined that the statutory authority will be officially abolished on 30 June 2026. This decision follows the Silver Review, an independent assessment of the Victorian Public Service. [1, 2, 3]
While the agency itself is closing, many of its core functions and long-term goals will continue under different structures. [3]
⚡ Key Changes & Transitions
By June 2026, SV will wind down its operations. However, critical programs will be transferred to ensure Victoria remains on track for its 2030 and 2050 environmental targets. [3]
- Program Transfers: Activities such as the ResourceSmart Schools program, FirstRate5 energy software, and certain industry development functions will move to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
- Contract Continuity: All existing grant contracts awarded by SV will continue to be honoured.
- Closure Schedule: Public-facing services like SVHub space hire will stop on 30 April 2026, and other work programs will progressively wind down until the final closure in June. [4]
♻️ Long-term Vision (SV2030)
Despite the organisational change, the strategic goals outlined in the Sustainability Victoria Strategic Plan 2024-2027 remain central to the state’s direction. The vision for Towards 2030 focuses on transitioning Victoria to a circular, climate-resilient economy. [5, 6]
🌟 5 Future Trends for 2030
SV has identified five major trends that will define Victoria’s sustainable future: [7, 8]
- The End of Single-Use: A major shift towards re-use and sharing economies to eliminate waste.
- Halving Food Waste: Massive investment in circular economy innovation to slice organic waste in half.
- Homes as Power Plants: A renewable energy boom turning households into community-driven power sources.
- Sustainable Fashion: A complete industry pivot toward conscious consumption and sustainable manufacturing.
- The ‘Doughnut’ Goal: Reaching zero carbon emissions and zero waste to ensure long-term health and wellbeing. [1]
📈 Economic & Research Impacts
SV’s recent research highlights the economic potential of this transition: [1]
- Circular Jobs Boom: A circular economy could increase Australia’s GDP by $26 billion over the next decade and add 150,000 jobs by 2048.
- Workforce Readiness: New reporting identifies 87 sectors critical for the transition, including engineering, design, and trade roles.
- State of Sustainability: Annual research like the State of Sustainability Report 2024 continues to track Victorian attitudes, showing that over 68% of residents consider sustainable living a top priority. [9, 10, 11, 12]
💡 Key Takeaway: While the Sustainability Victoria brand will cease to exist, its legacy of “starting up, speeding up, and scaling up” climate action is being integrated directly into broader government departments to meet the state’s Net Zero 2045 goal. [13]
[1] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
[2] https://thefifthestate.com.au
[3] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
[6] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
[7] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
[8] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
[9] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
[10] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
[11] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
Mel Yuan for Brunswick 
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