The Greens (WA) have signalled that the party will attempt to shepherd local government reforms on use of plastics through the Parliament, in a move they hope will encourage other councils to follow the lead of Cottesloe, Fremantle and Bassendean among others.
Waste spokesperson Robin Chapple said that while he was disappointed that Labor has decided to vote against his Bill to ban single use plastics, he hoped that they would back up their comments regarding leadership at a local level and support councils that wished to ban plastics.
“It’s great to see councils wanting to take the lead on plastic reduction, and I will do my utmost in Parliament to protect their right to have local laws limiting the use of single use plastics.
“This is my message to local councillors: we will back you up in Parliament. When the Government fails to back widespread reform, locals have to make change for themselves and we will back you every step of the way.
“The Greens have a bill in parliament, right now, that would ban these unnecessary single use plastics.
“What the government needs to do is support this bill, we want to work with them to get it passed through the parliament because it gets rid of single use plastics.
“The Greens bill removes plastics, encouraging reusable alternatives to enter the market, providing more choice and more options for everyday people.
“There has been sustained pressure from the community, who have largely picked up the slack as far as waste reduction goes, taking it upon themselves when it should be the government that removes single use plastics.
“The amount of plastic in the ocean, in the bush, in the waterways and on our streets is shocking, we simply cannot keep going like this.
“By some reports, the volume of plastic in the ocean will outweigh all sea life by 2050. That should send shivers down the spines of everyone. The effect that plastic has on our environment is horrific, and so senseless when there are clear alternatives available.
“We are calling on the Government to support The Greens bill to ban single use plastics. It’s ready to go, right now.”
Greens WA spokesperson for Local Government, Robin Chapple MLC believes the vote against the mergers by the ratepayers from Kwinana, South Perth and East Fremantle is a big win for democracy.
“I have been saying all along that the Barnett Government has been resorting to authoritarian measures in this process of forced amalgamations,” Mr Chapple said.
“Local Governments exist for the local community and any changes need to be made in consultation with that community!” Mr Chapple lamented.
“The question now remains, will the Premier listen to what the ratepayers want?” he added.
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.
