minutes - City of Stirling

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL
18 SEPTEMBER 2012
Conversely, the City of Fremantle has pursued establishing a local law, the Plastic Bag
Reduction Local Law 2012. This was considered on 25 July 2012 and was approved for
public advertising which closes on 10 October 2012. The City of Fremantle identified several
financial, legal, operational and organisation risks and implications in relation to this
proposal.
Comment
The City is aware of the effect that plastic bags can pose to the environment and is
supportive of efforts to reduce plastic bag consumption in the community. There are several
ways that this could be achieved through community education and potential regulatory
approaches to behaviour change.
In regards to community education, the City of Stirling is currently delivering waste education
workshops at schools, community events, TAFE and community centres. These workshops
focus on raising awareness on the issues related to plastic bags in landfill and the
environment. The City is also delivering fun activities in schools where students are
encouraged to bring lunches to school without plastic packaging. These approaches are
assisting residents to reduce plastic bag consumption and increase the recycling of plastic
bags after use.
Currently there is no State Government legislation that restricts the supply of single use
plastic shopping bags. The City does not have direct control over the supply of single use
plastic shopping bags and efforts by other Local Governments are as yet unproven.
It is important to note that currently it is unclear whether Local Governments have the
authority or ability to implement local laws that regulate plastic bag use.
Resource Implications
The Sustainability Team has limited staff resources and does not have the immediate
capacity to action any new projects at the present time. It is estimated that it would take the
Sustainability Team three (3) weeks to research the issue in more depth and produce a
more detailed report as requested by the Notice of Motion.
Strategic Implications
Goal 4:
To foster the use of alliances and partnerships committed to achieving
sustainable economic benefits and enhanced expertise to benefit the
community.
Objective 4.1:
SI 4.1.2:
Actively build and expand the City's relationship with local, State and
Commonwealth Governments and the private sector and positively seek to
align strategic objectives.
Provide industry leadership in waste management strategies and
initiatives, and influence the development of legislation in Western
Australia.
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