State reveals ban on ALL single-use plastics
The Queensland Government has introduced legislation to ban all single-use plastics by 2021.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Enoch, said on Wednesday it followed moves made by the government in 2018 to ban single-use plastic bags in supermarkets.
“In March this year, we asked Queenslanders to decide the future of single-use plastic items and we received a resounding response that was very clear,” Ms Enoch said.
“Almost 20,000 responses were received, with 94 per cent of submissions in favour of a ban.
“That’s an overwhelming statement from communities wanting to find a positive solution to reducing plastic waste and protecting our environment.”
Plastic items to be banned in Queensland
The bill, if successful, would see the ban of single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates, with a view to also ban coffee cups, polystyrene cups, take-away food containers and heavy weight plastic bags down the track “following public consultation”.
Ms Enoch added the bill allows for flexibility with the start date July 1, 2021 giving businesses time to adjust.
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Toby Hutcheon, general manager of environmental group Boomerang Alliance, welcomed the change.
“These items are amongst the most littered items in Queensland,” Mr Hutcheon said.
“According to Clean Up Australia 36 per cent of all litter in Queensland is plastic packaging.”
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