(4/7/2019) Fremantle balloon ban in force from Saturday

Fremantle’s ban on the release of gas-filled balloons will come into effect on Saturday.

Last month Fremantle Council made a determination to prohibit the release of gas-filled balloons from all local government property in the City of Fremantle.

The decision followed a month-long public consultation period in which all submissions received supported the ban.

Mayor Brad Pettitt said the balloon ban was another example of how Fremantle was trying to reduce waste and protect the environment.

“When balloons are released they burst high in the atmosphere and cause jellyfish shaped pieces of debris to fall, which often end up in our oceans,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Sea turtles and other marine creatures can mistake these brightly coloured pieces of marine debris as food, which can prove fatal for them.

“The ban on the release of gas-filled balloons builds on the success of the City’s Sustainable Events Policy which was introduced in November last year.

“That policy prohibits the use of balloons at all City-run events, as well as all single-use plastics, Polystyrene and Styrofoam. Balloons are also prohibited at all events approved by the City.

“The City also led the push for the ban on the use of single-use plastic shopping bags which was introduced by the state government last year.

“This is all part of our One Planet commitment to reduce waste and encourage the use of sustainable products and materials.”

The council’s determination to prohibit the release of gas-filled balloons will come into effect on Saturday when notice is published in a local newspaper.

The fine for breaching the determination is $125.

For more information about the City’s Sustainable Events Policy and other sustainability initiatives visit the One Planet page on the City of Fremantle website.