Huge support for ban on plastics

QUEENSLANDERS have overwhelmingly backed a State Government plan to ban single use plastics, like straws and throw-away cutlery, according to a recent government survey.

Of the almost 20,000 submissions made to the government about its proposed plastic crackdown, more than 90 per cent indicated they were in favour of banning plastic straws, plates, cutlery and stirrers.

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the government was still on track to introduce legislation before the end of the year.

She said many of the submissions suggested other single-use items also be banned, such as coffee cups, polystyrene cups and takeaway food containers. “While these are not being included at this time, the legislation allows for these types of products to be banned,” she said.

The government went out to consultation on the plan in March this year and has previously committed to speaking with business and industry about the impact of the ban.

The crackdown would initially target plastic straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers. The proposed changes would mean that they could not be sold at stores or distributed at restaurants.

Plastic straws or cutlery that come as part of a product – such as with a juice box – are expected to be exempt from the ban, which is proposed to take effect from July 2021.