Local businesses that participate in the initiative are supported by a project manager who provides them with advice and connects them with suppliers of more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
The program is being rolled out at some of Australia’s most popular and iconic beaches which draw thousands of locals and tourists every year. The areas include Port Douglas, Queensland; Port Lincoln, South Australia; Darwin City Beaches, Northern Territory; Mornington Peninsula, Victoria; Randwick and Jervis Bay/Sussex Inlet, New South Wales; Rottnest Island, Western Australia; and South-eastern Tasmania.
“Australia has almost 12,000 beaches along our 60,000-kilometre coastline. We work, live and play near the water. Sadly, around 130,000 tonnes of waste plastic leaks into our marine environment each year,” said Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water. “Experts have predicted that by 2050 the amount of plastic in our oceans will outweigh fish. It can take just a moment for plastic to enter the environment, but the environmental impacts last for centuries.
“The Government congratulates businesses that have already signed up and is calling on others to join the program, so they play their part in tackling the plastic litter problem and keeping iconic Aussie beaches plastic free.
“We are also encouraging all Australians to choose waste free options such as reusable coffee cups, reusable shopping bags and to buy loose fruit and vegetables instead of packaged items. These small changes can all make a huge difference.”
For more information, visit: www.minister.dcceew.gov.au
Related stories: