Greater Shepparton City Council adopted the Single Use Plastic Free Council Run Events Policy at the July Council Meeting, aiming to significantly reduce the waste from single use plastics and the impact on the environment.
The policy 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 will also guide Council in attempting to reuse event materials wherever possible and educate event staff and attendees on single use plastic free practices.
The policy will be implemented with a one-year transition period, allowing for distribution of resources and information, adaption and community awareness.
The policy was developed in response to the Strategic Plan of Council's Sustainability Working Group, with input and consultation from Darebin City Council, after it implemented a policy within its municipality in 2018.
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 introduction of solar onto Council-owned buildings.
"The Policy aims to assist Council in taking the appropriate measures to manage our environmental impact, which we are always striving to do," Mayor Cr Seema Abdullah said.
"Council's events calendar has significantly grown in recent years, with more than 250 supported events in our region creating large amounts of single use plastic waste that is not biodegradable.
"The Single Use Plastic Free Council Run Events Policy will see Council lead the way in sustainable and environmentally conscious events, while encouraging event hosts, traders and surrounding municipalities to act consciously as well."
