ENCOURAGING AN INDUSTRY-LED TRANSITION FROM SINGLE-USE COFFEE CUPS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PLASTIC FREE NOOSA · Attachment 4 - 2025-06-19 Letter of Support Surfrider Foundation - ReusableCoffeeCups

Attachment 4
 Sunshine Coast Surfrider Foundation
 [email protected]

 11 June 2025

 Councillor Amelia Lorentson
 Noosa Shire Council
 Tewantin QLD 4565

 Re: Support for Motion on Voluntary Industry-Led Transition from Single-Use Coffee Cups

 Dear Councillor Lorentson,

 On behalf of the Sunshine Coast Surfrider Foundation, we write to express our strong support for your
 motion encouraging a voluntary, industry-led shift away from single-use coffee cups in partnership with
 Tourism Noosa and Plastic Free Noosa.

 As a coastal community organisation committed to protecting our oceans, beaches, and marine life from
 plastic pollution, we know too well the impact that single-use plastics—especially coffee cups—have on our
 environment. Despite being labelled "disposable," these cups frequently end up littering our natural spaces,
 entering our waterways, and breaking down into harmful microplastics that threaten wildlife and coastal
 ecosystems.

 Your proposed initiative reflects both foresight and leadership. It aligns perfectly with the community’s
 values and growing demand for responsible, sustainable action. Supporting a voluntary transition through
 education, business engagement, and council-led example is a practical, scalable, and community-driven
 approach. It not only acknowledges the reality of where most single-use cups end up, but also presents a
 clear opportunity to build lasting change through local collaboration.

 Programs like Plastic Free Noosa have already laid the groundwork for success—avoiding more than
 160,000 kilograms of plastic and helping businesses transition to sustainable practices. By partnering more
 deeply with them, Council can accelerate this positive momentum and show that change is both achievable
 and desirable.

 Importantly, this initiative doubles as an educational tool. It fosters behaviour change among residents and
 visitors, strengthens Noosa’s identity as a leader in environmental stewardship, and supports a cleaner,
 more resilient coastline. We commend the emphasis on supporting small businesses and trialling
 innovative reuse systems like those piloted during the recent Noosa Eat and Drink Festival.

 We also recognise and applaud Council’s willingness to lead by example through its own operations.
 Setting this standard sends a strong message to the broader community and enhances public trust in
 Council’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

 The Sunshine Coast Surfrider Foundation fully supports this motion and encourages Council to endorse
 and implement the outlined recommendations. This is a timely, important, and locally grounded step
 towards reducing plastic waste, protecting our marine environment, and inspiring communities across
 Queensland and beyond.

 Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to environmental protection. We stand ready to
 support this initiative and look forward to seeing Noosa lead the way.

 Warm regards,

 Sunshine Coast Surfrider Foundation