The ACT Government should begin its long-awaited consultation with Canberra's hospitality and small business sector, rather than delay efforts designed to rein in use of single-use plastic waste in the ACT, the ACT Greens said today.
The Canberra Times reports that plans to ban certain types of single-use plastic in the ACT as early as mid-2020 have been put off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Greens have repeatedly called on the ACT Government to commit to banning a range of single-use plastics by 2022, as part of an orderly transition to a single-use plastic free future together with industry groups.
"We understand that Canberra's restaurants and cafes have been doing it hard and have had to make many adjustments due to COVID over the past few months. But we also know that our restaurants and cafes, and their customers, are committed to doing the right thing by our environment," ACT Greens Environment campaign spokesperson Jo Clay said today.
"Our small businesses and hospitality industry have a right to be heard and consulted with as legislation is developed. COVID is not a good excuse to simply avoid this kind of consultation, especially given that the Government is currently engaging with Canberrans on more than 65 major projects across a whole range of other issues.
"We know that cafes have been uncertain about a whole range of waste issues during recent months, including whether to ban the use of reusable coffee cups.
"The ACT Government can act now to work with industry to give businesses the certainty they need during this challenging time, especially as they will need even more time and flexibility to make a long-term transition to alternate purchasing arrangements.
"With around 23,000 tonnes of plastic going to landfill each year in the ACT, the Greens are especially concerned that single-use plastic waste is increasing due to working from home arrangements and more online shopping.
"The Greens are committed to Building a Better Normal out of this crisis, including by protecting our environment long into the future," Ms Clay added.
The ACT Government's recent Phasing out single-use plastics discussion paper surveyed more than 3,000 Canberrans across industry, business and the community. It found that:
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94% support a phase out of polystyrene
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93% support a phase out of plastic stirrers and straws
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92% support a phase out of plastic lined coffee cups or lids
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91% support a phase out of plastic cutlery
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91% support a phase out of plastic plates and cups
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87% support a phase out of takeaway food containers
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85% support a phase out of lightweight fruit and vegetable barrier bags.
