Council Tackles Single Use Plastics and Balloons

The Single Use Plastics and Balloons Policy was adopted along with the supporting ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ guideline and outlines controls that minimise the use of disposable plastics by requiring the use of compostable or reusable alternatives.

The policy will apply to all City operations, any events held in public places or City-controlled land that require approval from the City, and all traders operating with a permit issued by the City. The adoption of the policy at the May Council meeting comes after a unanimous decision by Council in August 2018 to address the issue of single use plastics.

In addition, the supporting ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ guideline provides residents with extensive information that can help them make the switch away from single use plastics. It also offers valuable information for businesses wishing to reduce their use of plastic.

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the new policy and guideline was the most extensive of its kind for a local government in Western Australia.

“The matter of single use plastics is an issue that impacts the community on a large scale and Council was of the firm view that leadership needed to be taken in this space,” Mayor Sammels said.

“Rockingham has a unique coastline that is very important to the community’s way of life. Given the fact that single use plastics can have devastating effects on our marine wildlife, it was important we take action and the community shared this view during public consultation.

“This policy is an important step in the right direction and clearly outlines the steps that are required to be taken so we can best protect our wonderful environmental assets from the harm caused by single use plastics and balloons.”

For more information on the Single Use Plastics and Balloons Policy and the ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ guideline visit sustainability.