SA names first plastic-free precincts

Adelaide’s first three retail precincts to go plastic-free have been named with the South Australian government declaring now is the time to remove and replace single-use items.

The Adelaide Central Market, The Parade at Norwood and the Jetty Road Brighton Traders are the first areas to trial the government’s initiative and will also be joined by the state’s 21 surf life-saving clubs.

The government intends to legislate to ban single-use plastics in 2020.

“The message from the community is clear, they expect the 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,” Environment Minister David Speirs said.

Surf Life Saving South Australia chief executive Damien Marangon said his organisation was thrilled to be one of the first single-use plastic-free precincts.

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

The government received 10 applications for the precincts and has also set up a stakeholder taskforce which will provide input and advice to assist in making the precinct trial as successful as possible.

“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,” Speirs said.

“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.”

Those areas taking part in the trial have agreed to remove a range of single-use items from their stores including straws, cutlery and cups.