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This article was published on Wednesday, 17 November, 2021. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council re-adopts policy to reduce plastic use at its events

Posted on Wednesday 17th of November, 2021,

Greater Shepparton City Council re-adopted the Single Use Plastic Free Council Run Events Policy at the November Council Meeting, aiming to significantly reduce the waste from single use plastics and the impact on the environment.

The policy, which was initially endorsed last year, outlines Council’s commitment to eliminating single use plastic bags, plates, bowls, balloons, cups and cutlery, and limiting the use of water bottles and plastic packaging at its events. The policy also guides Council in attempting to reuse event materials wherever possible and educate event staff and attendees on single use plastic free practices.

The policy was initially implemented with a one-year transition period, allowing for distribution of resources and information, adaption and community awareness. However due to the impact of COVID-19, very few Council run and managed events were able to be held in the past 12 months preventing the policy from being fully implemented.

As a result Council has re-adopted the policy with a two-year extension period in the hope that events will be able to resume safely once again.

“The events industry has suffered significantly over the past two years due to the pandemic, with many local events having to be cancelled or run virtually,” Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said.

“It is hoped in the near future events will resume safely and the policy can be implemented and tested appropriately via an extended two-year trial period on Council run and managed events.”

The policy complements Council’s push to be a leader in sustainability, following the moves to declare a Climate Emergency, the purchase of renewable energy, adding electrical vehicles to its fleet and the introduction of solar onto Council-owned buildings.

Prior to COVID-19, Council’s events calendar had grown significantly with other 250 supported events in the region. Cr O’Keeffe said it was only a matter of time until these events returned and the region was feeling the positive impacts on its economy.

“While our events calendar continues to grow, so too does the large amounts of single use plastic waste that is not biodegradable,” she said.

“This policy will allow Council to lead the way in sustainable and environmentally conscious events within our region whilst encouraging event hosts, traders and surrounding municipalities to act consciously as well.”