Single-use plastics at Mountains events has come under council's spotlight, with plans to reduce the cost of clean-up as an incentive to organisers.
Under a plan to be put on public exhibition as part of the 2019-20 fees and charges, council would discount clean-up fees by 30 per cent for organisers who enter into an agreement to reduce single use plastics at their events.
The proposal also recommends that fees for garbage and recycling bins be reduced to $25 and the minimum number of bins that can be hired is reduced from 12 to two.
The proposal was passed at last month's meeting, where council also agreed to investigate becoming carbon neutral.
Greens Cr Kerry Brown said: "We know carbon is the biggest contributor to climate change so slashing our emissions is the most effective thing we can do."
The council voted to support Cr Brown's motion to investigate becoming certified as a carbon neutral organisation by 2020 under the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) of the federal government.
The first step would be for council's carbon footprint to be measured by qualified NCOS consultants for an annual public disclosure summary including an emissions reduction strategy.
Council would then implement the strategy and purchase NCOS-approved carbon credits to offset emissions that haven't been eliminated.
Cr Brown said, "I am advised that the offset cost is initially likely to be in the region of $20,000 a year on top of measuring, auditing and certification fees. Ultimately we can save more than we spend through improving our waste and energy management.
"We will also be helping to save the planet and setting an example for our community and for other councils to follow."
Council has also signed up to the Cities Powers Partnership, a national program created by the Climate Council that is helping towns and cities switch to clean energy.
Council has adopted a number of pledges as part of the partnership, including;
- Installing renewable energy (solar panels and battery storage) on council buildings, such as childcare centres, libraries, recreation centres, sports grounds and council offices.
- Adopting best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings.
- Rolling out energy efficient lighting, particularly street lights.
- And encouraging sustainable transport use (public transport, walking and cycling).
Cr Brown said of the single-use plastic proposals: "This sends the right message but I am disappointed that we haven't just banned single-use plastic at public events through our event approval system. It can be done and, I believe, it should be done."
"It would also stop the unfair price advantage for suppliers who use single-use plastics over those who use more expensive and responsible compostable packaging."
