By HOLLIE HARRIS
THE future for plastic in Noosa looks grim as the authorities move toward plastic bag bans and a container deposit scheme in a bid to clean up Queensland and better protect the environment.
Member for Noosa Glen Elmes met with Shadow Environment Minister Dr Christian Rowan, Acting Mayor Frank Wilkie, Councillor Joe Jurisevic and Campbell Corfe and Dick Varnes from Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation to discuss the fate of plastic shopping bags and the introduction of a cash for containers scheme.
Noosa Electorate community groups will be given an opportunity to benefit from cashing in their containers once the scheme is introduced.
“We already have a community that really wants to do this.
“This is a landmark decision to clean-up and better protect our environment,” Mr Elmes said.
The LNP had committed to the policy which will see consumers, businesses and charities in the Noosa Electorate refunded 10 cents for aluminium, glass and plastic drink containers returned for recycling.
Dr Rowan said the NSW Government indicated they would have it up and running by 1 July 2017, and that residents could expect the LNP Government to look at introducing this scheme in their first term.
The plan to begin phasing out single use plastic bags is also under review with the community heavily driving the momentum.“Legislation can be an important step, but Noosa residents understand the implications of plastics on our environment,” Dr Rowan said.
The issue of how to persuade the big shopping chains to flick plastic bags is the big question with legislation being considered as a last resort.
Plastics are increasingly damaging our environment, wildlife and marine health, and ultimately end up in our food chain.
The container scheme is expected to reduce litter by up to 60 per cent and will create hundreds of new jobs in recycling.
To learn more about the container deposit scheme, go to wwwtimnicholls.com.au
