Media Release: VICTORIA TO TRIAL PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION CAMPAIGN

FROM THE MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

DATE: Thursday, April 17, 2008

VICTORIA TO TRIAL PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION CAMPAIGN

The Brumby Government and the Australian National Retailers Association will embark on a trial to help reduce plastic bag use in Victoria.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said under a pilot project to start in the second half of this year, major supermarket and retailers will voluntarily place a charge on plastic bags at selected sites around Victoria.

“The Brumby Government is taking action on environmental challenges and this is the first real action from a state in six years of debate on the plastic bags issue,” Mr Jennings said.

“We would like to have a charge that would have a real impact in lowering the number of bags. Figures between 10 cents and 25 cents have been talked about.

“The actual charge to be used and the location of the trial are yet to be determined but it is proposed that at least one regional Victorian town and one Melbourne suburban centre take part in the trial to begin in August. Any money raised through this trial will go towards environmental projects.

“The trial of the voluntary phase out of plastic bags in Victoria will inform the work agreed to today by State, Territory and Commonwealth Environment ministers.

“Ministers agreed today to convene a high level government and industry working group to investigate options to reduce the use of plastic bags.

"Victoria is committed to working with the Federal Government, the states and the retailers to create a voluntary system that is achievable, is effective in reducing plastic bag use, and doesn't tie Victorian small businesses up in mountains of red tape.

“This trial, in cooperation with supermarkets and retailers, gives Victorians an opportunity to demonstrate that this result can be achieved.”

CEO of Australian National Retailers Association Margy Osmond said she was pleased a cooperative approach to managing plastic bags was being taken.

“We are looking for the best outcome for shoppers and the environment,” Ms Osmond said.