South West council aims to reduce single use-plastic across region in line with Statewide plan

The Harvey Shire Council is one step closer to phasing out single use plastics across their local government area.

The council have been working to reduce the use of single use-plastic across the shire since 2020, in line with the State Government’s Plan for Plastics.

Introduced in 2021, the State Government’s new plan follows the lightweight plastic bag ban in 2018 and introduction of the Containers for Change scheme in 2020.

The new plan introduced short-term limitations to plastics, stopping the use of single use food containers, utensils, shopping bags and straws.

In accordance with this plan, the council adopted similar limitations for events hosted within the shire.

The State Government entered phase two of its plan for plastics in February last year, which saw the phasing out of polystyrene packaging, produce bags, coffee cups and lids, takeaway containers, cotton buds with plastic stems and micro beads.

The council have now updated their own medium-term plastic reduction plan, set to take place from 2024 to 2026, and plan to implement similar bans at its own events and facilities.

The new policy will see the council continue to build community awareness around the use of single-use plastics, as well as encouraging and supporting events and activities within the shire to make sure they comply with the policy.