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Attachment 1 - 2025-05-15 Notice of Motion - Cr Lorentson - AUDIT AND EXPLORE OPTIONS TO REDUCE THE USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN COUNCIL OPERATIONS -
v9 NOOSA @® Council NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR: Cr Amelia Lorentson COUNCIL MEETING: Ordinary Meeting, 15 May 2025 | hereby notify of my intention to move the following motion at the Ordinary Meeting dated Thursday, May 15, 2025 AUDIT AND EXPLORE OPTIONS TO REDUCE THE USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN COUNCIL OPERATIONS That Council: A. | Conduct an audit of single-use plastic usage across all Council-managed facilities, services, operations, and events; B. — Utilise the audit findings to develop a Single-Use Plastics Policy aimed at the phased reduction and eventual elimination of single-use plastic items from Council operations; C. Continue to collaborate with Tourism Noosa who deliver the Plastic Free Noosa program and other relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with broader community initiatives and best practices; and D. Request a report to the Council with the findings and recommendations from the audit. D Councillor signature Date COUNCILLOR COMMENT Councillor Comments: The audit report should outline: ° Current use of single-use plastics within Council functions; ° Opportunities for reducing or eliminating these items; e Financial and operational implications of phasing out single-use plastics; ° Potential updates to procurement policies, event permits, and vendor guidelines. Recent events, including the aftermath of the ex-tropical cyclone where plastics, debris, and microplastics littered the eastern coastline and Teewah, have underscored the urgency of addressing plastic pollution. Coastal cleanups have revealed the scale of this environmental crisis. In support of my ongoing advocacy to both federal and state governments on behalf of Noosa Council to halt ocean outfalls and upgrade wastewater treatment plants to address emergent contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics, this motion seeks to address the issue of plastics at the source. It reflects what Council can do to lead by example and drive change locally. Plastic Free Noosa has been instrumental in driving sustainability initiatives within the Noosa community. As an initiative of Tourism Noosa, supported by Noosa Council, Plastic Free Noosa works directly with local businesses, residents, and visitors to eliminate single-use plastics and promote zero-waste practices. Their efforts include community clean-ups, sustainable event
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programs, and member engagement to inspire and educate the community. Since its inception, Plastic Free Noosa has eliminated over 161,808 kg of plastic waste and continues leading the charge toward a regenerative, single-use plastic-free future. Background: Single-use plastics, including items such as takeaway containers, cups, straws, and cutlery, have significant and lasting environmental impacts. These products are typically used once and discarded, contributing to pollution in waterways, beaches, and natural ecosystems. They also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and place a growing burden on waste management systems and ratepayers. Noosa Shire is a region defined by its natural beauty, environmental leadership, and sustainability values. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Surfing Reserve, Noosa has both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead by example in reducing plastic pollution. The Queensland Government has already introduced bans on certain single-use plastic items, and community-led programs such as Plastic Free Noosa have helped eliminate over 160,000kg of plastic waste locally. This motion seeks to build on that momentum by first understanding the extent of single-use plastic usage within Council and then working toward a policy that will phase these items out over time. Conclusion Conducting an internal audit is a vital first step to developing an evidence-based Single-Use Plastics Policy that reflects Noosa’s environmental values and aligns with state legislation and community expectations. By taking a leadership role, Council can reduce its environmental footprint, support circular economy goals, and help protect the natural assets that define Noosa’s identity. To all Councillors and Directors | hereby notify that Cr Lorentson intends to move the motion as shown above at the Ordinary Meeting dated 15 May. cf LA er 2 Spas Chief E ive Officer Date