Council supports state-wide plastic bag ban

Noosa Council has backed the State Government’s plan to ban lightweight, single-use plastic shopping bags from 1 July 2018.

“We councillors all agree that Council should write to the State Government to reaffirm our support for the move,” Councillor Joe Jurisevic said.

“This is a great opportunity for Queensland to come in line with other states and territories that have acknowledged the devastating impact that plastic bags have on our wildlife and our environment.

“Noosa Council has long supported this move as it aligns with our Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan. The question has been whether the State would take action, or whether we would have to move independently and enforce a ban just for our Shire. 

“It is far better that the State introduces a Queensland-wide ban than Council attempts to do the same thing on its own. If Council were to attempt to ban single-use plastic bags in our local government area, it would require significant resources, particularly staff time, at considerable cost to ratepayers. 

“With the State taking the lead, this important environmental initiative will have minimal impact on Council resources. It's a real win-win situation,” Councillor Jurisevic said.

Council adopted the Noosa Community Jury’s recommendation to ban single-use plastic shopping bags. It also lobbied the State Government and supported the Noosa Community Biosphere Association’s campaign on the issue.

Council has also provided funding and support to the community-led Boomerang Bags initiative. It has also introduced Boomerang Bags into all of its offices and depots to provide staff with an alternative to plastic bags.

Cr Joe Jurisevic added: “Giving up their reliance on plastic bags may not be easy for some people. But there is plenty of lead time to change habits before the ban comes into effect. In the meantime, we can all start working on reducing our reliance on single-use plastic bags, for the sake of the planet.” 
 
The details of the proposed ban are outlined in the State Government’s discussion paper.  For more information about Boomerang Bags please visit the Boomerang Bags Noosa Facebook page or send an email.

20 January 2017