2017-07-11 Services and Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     11 JULY 2017


3.    Impacts of plastic in the environment

Plastic has become an increasingly prevalent pollutant in our oceans and has been the subject of
recent media coverage as an issue of major concern. Reducing its use will create a cleaner and
less littered Noosa, an enhanced reputation as a tourist destination and more aware and prouder
community.

The plastic items planned to be targeted by the Boomerang Alliance are often found in the
environment as litter which do not break down readily and persist for long periods of time. Many
of these items end up in local waterways and the ocean leading to ingestion by aquatic animals,
which can result in increased mortality of species such as turtles and fish.

4.    Community led project

Boomerang Alliance has shared its proposal with the following organisations, who have
expressed interest in participation: Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation, Noosa Community
Biosphere Association Inc., Tourism Noosa, Boomerang Bags, Surfrider Sunshine Coast,
Sunshine Coast Environment Council, University of Sunshine Coast, ZEN Waste, Noosa
Chamber of Commerce, Coast Care and Sunshine Coast Environment Educators’ Alliance

5.    Objectives of the Plastic Free Noosa plan

The proposed plan aims to focus on a list of identified disposable plastic items that includes
coffee cups/lids, straws, takeaway containers, single-use water bottles, plastic bags and utensils
and promotes alternative practices to their use. Many of these items are not recyclable. When
disposed to landfill they do not break down easily. It would be preferable if the items were
replaced by compostable products that can either be recycled, composted or will break down and
disintegrate in landfill.

The intention is to encourage practices that use alternative products to plastic, be adopted at
cafes, restaurants and food vendors, in retail outlets and at markets, festivals, fetes and events in
Noosa. Individuals will also be encouraged to take up the plastic reduction challenge.

The Alliance believes that as a leader of the community, Council can through its support for the
plan, provide the essential impetus to motivate and assist with the coordination of the plan and its
implementation.

In this context it is worth noting that Council’s decision to purchase compostable doggie bags
commencing in the 2017/18 financial year will reduce the number of plastic bags used in Noosa
by 1.2 million bags.

6.    Requested support from Council

Boomerang Alliance seek the following support from Council support for their initiative including:
1.    Participation in development of a formal implementation plan and schedule of activities;
2.    Agreement to join and staff to participate in a Coordination Group by attending meetings;
3.    Promotion of the plan to stakeholders and public, including a media launch;
4.    Delivery of any agreed actions and funding towards implementing the plan.

Previous Council Consideration

Nil



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