In an Australian first the ACT Government has declared public events as 'plastic-free' under the Plastic Reduction Act, passed earlier this year. The ACT Government is also engaging with the community and industry on the phase-out of the second tranche of single-use plastic items from 1 July 2022.
"Single-use plastic products create persistent waste which piles up in our landfills and litters our landscapes and waterways," said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
"We know Canberrans want to take everyday action on climate change by cutting down their consumption of these harmful plastic. Progressively phasing out these products helps set a level playing field for industry and business, accelerating the shift to more sustainable alternatives."
Industry consultation is currently underway on the next tranche of items to be banned from July 2022 under the Government's updated Single Use Plastics Policy. These include:
- Single-use plastic straws (with exemptions for those who need them)
- Single-use plastic fruit and vegetable barrier bags
- Cotton buds with plastic sticks
- All oxo-degradable plastic products - such as degradable plastic bags and degradable dog waste bags
Plastic cutlery, stirrers and expanded polystyrene containers have already been banned under tranche 1 of the phase-out on 1 July 2021.
"The ACT Government has identified the tranche 2 items well ahead of time and has been consulting with industry and disability organisations on the implementation of the phase-out over the past two years. This is the final opportunity to hear from individuals, businesses, community organisations, institutions and peak bodies who would be affected by the ban".
"We are particularly keen to hear from people with a disability and their advocates about exemptions for the supply of straws to people with a disability based on the South Australian and Queensland models. In these jurisdictions straws are still available at pharmacies or care facilities, and in South Australia at hospitality venues upon request, without needing to present any evidence."
The ACT Government has also today declared the first public events that will cut out a wider range of single-use plastics under Australia first legislation. In addition the already banned products, these declared events will be prohibited from supplying plastics straws, plastic takeaway containers and single-use plastic plates and bowls, replacing them with sustainable alternatives:
- Royal Canberra Show
- Australia Day in the Capital
- National Folk Festival
- Enlighten Festival
- The Balloon Spectacular
- Symphony in the Park
- Canberra Day
- Reconciliation Day
In recognition of the needs of people with disability and medical conditions, plastics straws will still be made available to members of the community who may need them at these inclusive events.
Royal National Capital Agricultural Society Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Cannock said taking action to reduce plastics was the right fit for the Royal Canberra Show – which returns on 25-27 February 2022, after being cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
"Families across the region love the Royal Canberra Show. It's one of the ACT's most iconic and longest running events, so we want to be able to lead by example and show we can make changes to create a cleaner world," Mr Cannock said.
"It's been great to see Canberra businesses and consumers enthusiastically making the switch away from single-use plastics in recent months beyond those that have already been banned. The plastic-free events and the next tranche of the plastic phase-out will keep that momentum going with further products being considered in the future," said Minister Steel.
Have your say and find more information at: www.yoursay.act.gov.au/single-use-plastics.
