Feedback invited on draft policy aimed at reducing single-use items

Published on 29 May 2025

Council is inviting feedback on a draft policy seeking to further reduce single-use items and packaging in the Surf Coast Shire.

The draft Single-Use Items and Packaging Policy aims to help protect the natural environment and reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.

If adopted by Council in October, it would replace Council’s existing policy, the 2021 Plastic Wise Policy.

The draft policy has been broadened and would see the phasing out of many single-use items across all Council facilities, Council events, and events on Council land, over the next five years.

It has also been updated to align with current state government plastics bans.

If adopted it would apply to all formal use of Council facilities, such as:

• User groups, including sports clubs, who are tenants of Council facilities;
• Community members or businesses hiring Council facilities for parties, events, conferences or workshops;
• Facilities directly managed by Council; and
• Organisers hosting events and markets on Council land.

It would not apply to informal use of Council facilities such as visiting a library or local park.

The draft policy outlines three categories of items:

• Category one: items already banned by the Victorian Government such as lightweight plastic bags.
• Category two: single-use items to be phased out of Council facilities over five years – by 2030 – including all plastic bags and takeaway coffee cups and lids; and
• Category three: other single-use items recommended to be avoided where possible.
  
  

Exemptions would be available on several grounds, including health and safety, existing commercial agreements, and lack of suitable alternatives.

Councillor Leon Walker said the policy aimed to make a positive change for the environment while being manageable for facility users through the five-year lead time and availability of exemptions.

He also noted that Council would offer a range of support to assist facility users with the transition.

“Single-use items and packaging are major contributors to waste and pollution,” Cr Walker said.

“It is a strategic priority for Council to help drive a more circular economy, by avoiding waste and maximising re-use wherever we can.

“Our Anglesea Landfill is nearing capacity, so it is increasingly important that we all work together to reduce waste going to landfill.”

The draft policy will be available for community feedback until 4 July via our Your Say page.

Two online information sessions will provide an opportunity to hear more about the policy and ask questions:

• Wednesday 11 June, 6-7pm; and
• Thursday 19 June, 12-1pm.

Anyone in the community is welcome to register for these sessions via the website, with tenants of Council facilities particularly encouraged to attend.

“We understand this policy would mean some change for users of our facilities,” Cr Walker said.

“We’re very keen to hear feedback and suggestions from clubs, facility user groups, businesses, event and market organisers, and the general community now, while the policy is in draft form.

“It’s important to us to be aware of any practical considerations, and everything we hear will be carefully considered before a final policy comes before the Council for adoption in October.”

If the policy is adopted following community feedback, Council would develop an implementation plan and supporting resources, and work closely with user groups to assist with the transition over the next five years.

The direction of the draft policy is strategically aligned with Council’s Circular Economy Action Plan 2024-2027.