The Queensland government is considering a ban on single-use plastics including straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers as part of plans to cut down on waste.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said a law forbidding the supply of single-use plastic items will be introduced to parliament next year and the state government is looking to extend this to coffee cups, plastic cups and heavy-duty shopping bags.
“There is a growing concern amongst Queenslanders about the amount of plastic being used in everyday life,” she said.
“Both government and the community need to work together and while research shows Queenslanders are on board with tackling plastics, we will undertake extensive consultation with the community on this issue.”
Enoch said consumers have access to reusable or 100 per cent compostable alternatives to the plastic items on the hit list.
“We will also identify and develop new businesses and markets to transform the way plastic is recovered, reused and recycled,” she added.
