The Queensland Government has announced a Container Refund Scheme (CRS) and a plastic bag ban for Queensland, both due to start in July 2018. These measures will help to tackle plastic pollution and improve recycling and I want to ensure the Glass House electorate is fully prepared.
As an individual, local community group or local business, it is important for you to understand how these changes may affect the way you operate and what you can do to prepare.
Under the CRS, anyone who returns an empty drink container to a collection point will receive a 10-cent refund. A network of collection points will be set up across the state. The CRS presents a significant financial opportunity for the Not-For-Profit sector and local businesses to be involved, offering a way to secure a long term and sustainable revenue base through the collection and return of cans and bottles. Under the bag ban, lightweight shopping bags will no longer be available, and businesses will need to provide alternative solutions for customers.
To help you prepare I will be hosting an evening forum on Thursday October 19th, 2017 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at Glasshouse Mountains Sports Club, 902 Steve Irwin Way, Glass House Mountains.
The forum aims to inform on both new measures. It will also give you the opportunity to consider the value and potential of your involvement in the CRS, and to jointly discuss and plan arrangements on how local organisations can participate, either individually or in partnership with each other.
The Boomerang Alliance, who have been instrumental in the design of the CRS and bag ban and have a wealth of knowledge to offer, will be there to present and answer any questions you may have.
Please find your invitation attached. This is an open invitation, please feel free to share amongst your networks.
Please RSVP to Kellie at kellie.lindsay@boomerangalliance.org.au by Wednesday, October 18th.