LAUNCESTON Town Council has lent its support to the Plastic Free Launceston initiative.

Olivia Riby, the person spearheading the initiative in the town, attended the town council meeting on Tuesday, June 18, to give a presentation to councillors and ask them for their support.

Plastic Free Launceston is a Surfers Against Sewage scheme, and there are five objectives that must be met before the town actually achieves the status.

These consist of local governance — getting the town council to support the campaign and having a local councillor to volunteer to liaise and be a representative; resistance hubs — working with local businesses to help them reduce single use plastic; plastic free allies — to inspire the wider community to spread the plastic free message; plastic free rallies — to mobilise the community, and hold events such as a clean up to raise awareness; and set up a steering group — this would be a group of people who would meet at least twice a year to take the campaign forward.

Ms Riby explained that all businesses who get in touch with her get a certain amount of free advertising through the connection with Surfers Against Sewage, so there are two-way benefits of getting involved.

“It’s really bringing the community together,” she added. “It’s a really good scheme. I’m definitely proud of Launceston for what we’ve done so far. I’m not here to ban plastics, it’s just making these swaps to reduce single use plastics.”

Cllr Paul O’Brien asked who the plastic free status would be assessed by, and Ms Riby explained it will be assessed by Surfers Against Sewage to ensure the town had reached the five objectives.

Cllr Margaret Young added: “There’s lots of awareness in the schools. I think it’s a fantastic way forward. I think we should all be thinking very seriously about what we’re using. I think it’s a really good idea, it’s certainly got my backing.”

Cllr Rob Tremain said: “My age group weren’t educated back in the day, but we are now.”

He noted that doing away with plastic bags in supermarkets has had a huge impact, to which Ms Riby replied: “Yes, it’s making a conscious effort.”

The council then brought forward the agenda item in which it proposed to consider the town council’s support and agree relevant actions in regards to the Plastic Free Launceston initiative.

Cllr Sam Allen said although they can’t go as far as the big supermarkets, there are shops and businesses in the community that are making a difference. She said the first step would be for the council to look at areas such as the Tourist Information Centre to see what is being sold.

Cllr Allen also said she would like to put herself forward as the town council representative.

The proposal was seconded and carried.