Douglas Shire to lead the way ahead of plastic ban

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Program co-coordinator Helen Reilly and Owner of The Junction Café in Mossman Ange Nulty. Image: Supplied.

The Douglas Shire is set to become a leader in the phase out of single-use plastics ahead of a state-wide ban later in the year.

Under a new program, local hospitality businesses will become Plastic Free Champions as the Douglas Shire joins forces with Plastic Free Cairns as one of five communities across Queensland taking the lead to phase out single-use plastics from July 1.

Council has secured a fully funded support resource from Boomerang Alliance, the founders of Plastic Free Places, and the peak not-for-profit organisation working toward a zero waste society in Australia.

The funding is designed to help transition communities ahead of the single-use plastics ban to take affect across Queensland on September 1.

Mossman local Helen Reilly, who is co-ordinating the program, will exclusively meet with hospitality businesses across Douglas Shire over the next six months to help them switch to reusable and sustainable alternatives.

“My role is to provide advice, support, and assistance to demonstrate to businesses and community groups how they can make the switch,” said Helen.

“Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates and bowls and expanded polystyrene (foam) cups and containers will all be banned from September this year. It’s a massive win for the environment, but it can be challenging for small businesses to transition.

“I can present examples of plastic-free alternatives and help in a meaningful way to guide the process and help business make a start in their plastic-free journey.”

Hospitality providers will receive tailored advice for their businesses, unique promotional benefits, and guidance on working towards certification as a Plastic Free Champion – a celebrated accreditation.

Owner of The Junction Café in Mossman, Ange Nulty, is excited about the imminent ban on single-use plastics.

“At The Junction Cafe we’re all about trying to rid single-use as much as we can, and we use good alternatives for all our takeaway orders.”

With the range of recyclable and compostable options available, Ange has earnt The Junction Cafe Plastic Free Champion status.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the region was well-placed to set an example.

“There are so many plastic-free alternatives on the market, and so many wonderful initiatives driving the movement to choose to reuse,” says Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr.

“It’s not as hard or costly as you might think to switch to better alternatives.

“Helen comes with a wealth of knowledge and operates with a very collaborative approach – I encourage everyone involved in hospitality to embrace this initiative and be a leader in this historic change.”

The alliance is fittingly timed with Plastic Free July – a global movement where individuals, schools and businesses are challenged to refuse single-use plastics.

An information session will be held for Community Groups and Not-For-Profits on July 13 at 5:30pm at Mosman Shire Hall. This session is aimed at groups who use disposable single-use packaging as part of community or fundraising activities. It will cover what items are included in the ban, what alternative products can be used, and how groups can adapt to comply with the ban.

Plastic Free Cairns and Douglas will also be at the Mossman Show on July 18 and 19 for the community to come and chat to the team for more information.

The Plastic Free Cairns program is funded by the Queensland Government, and extended to the Douglas Shire through grant assistance from the Commonwealth.


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