Announcing SA's first Plastic-free precincts!

MEDIA RELEASE

South Australia will have its first single-use plastic-free precincts with the Marshall Liberal Government today announcing the first four locations.

The Adelaide Central Market, The Parade (Norwood) and The Jetty Road Brighton Traders are the first three locations with a fourth precinct encapsulating all 21 Surf Life Saving South Australia clubs across the state.

The Boomerang Alliance who have run similar trials in Noosa in Queensland and Bassendean in Western Australia will be working closely with traders, cafés, restaurants and retailers in these locations to go ‘single-use plastic free’.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs today confirmed the first four locations in the Marshall Liberal Government’s plastic-free precincts trial.

“It’s so exciting to see how some of our destination shopping precincts and the iconic Adelaide Central Markets commit to going ‘plastic free,” said Minister Speirs

“I’m especially pleased that Surf Life Saving South Australia has put their hand up to be part of the trial. They are among the most motivated of volunteers and our surf life savers are confronted every day with the impact of single use plastics on our coasts and beaches.

“Having 21 of our surf life saving clubs decide to band together across the state to move from away from single use plastics is a national first. This kind of collaboration is the hallmark of our precinct approach.

“The message from the community is clear, they expect government to lead on the issue of plastics, and it definitely feels like the time is right to reduce, remove and replace single-use plastics where ever we can.”

Surf Life Saving South Australia Chief Executive Officer Damien Marangon said his organisation were thrilled to be one of the first single-use plastic-free precincts.

“As custodians of South Australia’s coastline our organisation sees first hand the impact single-use plastics can have on our beaches and waterways,” said Mr Marangon.

“When the State Government called for applications to become a plastic-free precinct we jumped at the opportunity.

“SLSSA is an iconic South Australian brand and we are excited to help lead the way when it comes to reducing single-use plastics in our environment.”

The State Government earlier in the year called for Expressions of Interest to become a plastic-free precinct as well as join our stakeholder taskforce.

There were 10 applications for the precincts and more than 25 diverse applicants for the stakeholder taskforce which will provide input and advice to assist in making the precinct trial as successful as possible and to make sure the views and opinions of all South Australians are heard when it comes to the next steps for banning single-use plastics in our state.

“We’ve invited 13 representatives from across South Australia including local government, businesses, the hospitality sector and disability advocates to form the first stakeholder taskforce,” said Minister Speirs.

“We had strong applications from across the metropolitan Adelaide all vying to be among the first plastic free precincts in South Australia and to join the stakeholder taskforce and we we’re pleased to make these announcements today.

“These first four partners are just the first step, and we expect more plastic free precincts will follow soon given the high quality of the other applications from across the state.

“Our government is seeking a wide range of input on what any future phase out or replacement for single use plastic might look like and the stakeholder taskforce will play an important role in our decision making.”

For more information about South Australia’s approach to single-use plastics visit: https://www.greenindustries.sa.gov.au/plastics