Council backs regenerative economy with community investment support
The council has agreed to support the next stage of the Regen Community Investment Fund—a project designed to help local businesses and community groups that are working to restore and care for the environment and community, while also creating jobs and local economic opportunities.
Greg Sarre, the council’s Principal Advisor Sustainability said that the idea of a regenerative economy is based on the principle that economic activity should leave the environment and society better off - not worse.
Since 2022, Council has backed several events that encouraged discussion and learning around this idea. These included the Dynamic State Seminar at Ukaria Cultural Centre, delivered by the University of Adelaide, a community screening of the film Regenerating Australia, and the Local Learning Lab at the Laratinga Pavilion.
“These events highlighted the growing interest in doing things differently to support long-term environmental, economic and social resilience,” Mr Sarre said.
“They were about igniting conversations and planting seeds for long-term transformation. We know our community is ready to lead when it comes to creating systems that serve people and the planet.”
In November 2024, a further step was taken when Regen Labs hosted a workshop at Newenham’s Kitchen Farm Pantry to test the idea of a community investment fund. The workshop, part of a feasibility study for the fund supported by the Paul Ramsay Foundation, focused on a key barrier facing regenerative businesses - how to access the right kind of funding to grow and succeed.
The Hills and Coasts region—including Mount Barker—was selected as a trial location due to strong local engagement and alignment with the regenerative mission.
Regen Labs is now seeking further partners to launch two pilot funds:
A $500,000 Readiness Fund to provide capability-building grants and support to regenerative enterprises; and a $3–5 million Loan Fund to deliver catalytic investment and ongoing enterprise support.
Mount Barker District Council has agreed to support the next stage of the Regen Community Investment Fund—a project led by Regen Labs that aims to assist local businesses and community groups dedicated to restoring the environment and strengthening the community, while also creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. The council is contributing $5000 to the fund. While this is a modest amount, this investment signals strong regional support and helps attract further backing from charities, state and federal governments, and private investors.
Mr Sarre said this as an opportunity to support businesses and community organisations that are working towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
“This is about helping good ideas grow,” Mr Sarre said.
“With the right support, we can build a stronger local economy - one that gives back to people, places and the planet.”
For more information about the Regen Community Investment Fund www.regenlabs.au/regenfund
