The Queensland government has postponed the expansion of its ban on single-use plastics, which was initially set to include items such as plastic cups, bread bag tags, and produce bags. This decision delays the implementation of a broader prohibition that was part of a five-year environmental strategy unveiled in 2022. The strategy outlined a phased approach to banning additional single-use items, with potential bans on plastic drinking cups, oxo-degradable plastics, expanded polystyrene trays, balloon sticks, and corflute tree guards starting from September 1.
Queensland Environment Minister Leanne Linard, speaking to ABC Radio Brisbane, stated that the pause is in anticipation of a national strategy on plastic waste. Linard emphasized Queensland's commitment to reducing plastic waste and highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts with other Australian states and territories to develop a unified approach. This includes a draft roadmap for national harmonization and a Single Use Plastic Items (SUPI) Lifecycle Assessment (LCA), both expected to be completed within the year.
However, the decision to pause has been met with criticism from environmental groups. Kate Noble, a senior manager at World Wildlife Fund Australia, expressed concerns that delaying actions against single-use plastics could hinder progress in combating plastic pollution. Noble stressed the importance of continuing efforts to phase out high-risk single-use plastic products, despite the pause.
Source: abc.net.au