2017-07-11 Services and Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   11 JULY 2017




                                                    Page 9 of 51

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                    11 JULY 2017

            Queensland is Changing
            In 2017 both the State Government and the Queensland LNP took significant
            steps towards addressing Queensland’s litter and plastic pollution problems.
            Both have publicly backed a ban on lightweight plastic bags and the introduction
            of a container deposit scheme in Queensland, starting in 2018. These are
            recognised as the first steps in addressing plastic pollution of our environment.
           The fact is that plastic litter in the environment is an eyesore, a pollutant, a
           threat to wildlife and, according to recent reports, a potential threat to human
            health.
            Discarded beverage containers and plastic packaging represent a significant part
            of the litter stream and contribute to an emerging plastic pollution problem,
            particularly in the marine environment. The measures referred to, a CDS and
            plastic bag ban, represent an opportunity to drastically reduce plastic and
            container litter and to change community behaviour in respect to how wasted
            materials are managed.
           These measures will dramatically reduce plastic litter and act to build
            community awareness about the dangers of plastic litter. The next step is to
            address the many other forms of disposable plastics.
            Our proposal is set in the context of these two measures being introduced in
            2018 and furthering the agenda to include other plastic products that represent
            a litter, waste and pollution problem. These plastic products include disposable
            coffee cups, straws, takeaway containers and plastic utensils.
            Our proposals centre on promoting better practices and alternatives on the use
            of these items, with the community of Noosa taking control of plastics and
            demonstrating to other Queensland communities how such changes could be
            achieved.
            Let’s Make a Difference
            Many individuals, governments and businesses have become aware of the
            plastic pollution problem and are changing habits and practices. However, what
           we lack is a whole community taking a systematic approach to addressing
            disposable plastic packaging litter/use, and showing others how this could be
            done.

                                                                                      Page 9 of 51