11/24/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/23/2022 16:48
Council Update
This is a copy of the weekly Conversation with the GM and Council News as published in the Blayney Chronicle.
A Conversation with the GM
Single-Use Plastic Ban
From 1 June 2022 we saw the supply of lightweight plastic bags (35 microns thick or less) banned in NSW under new legislation designed to prevent nearly 2.7 billion plastic items from entering the state's coastal, marine and bushland environments over the next 20 years. This ban did not apply to barrier bags such as bin liners, human or animal waste bags; produce and deli bags; and bags used to contain medical items.
Now from 1 November 2022, the ban has been extended to include the following items. That means they cannot be sold or given away for free.
Single-Use Plastic Straws, Stirrers and Cutlery
The ban applies to single-use plastic straws (see below for exemptions), stirrers and swizzle sticks, and cutlery, including forks, spoons, knives, sporks, splayds, chopsticks, and food picks.
The bans applies even if these items are made from biodegradable plastics, compostable plastics, or bio-plastics. This includes those made from Australian certified compostable plastic.
The ban does not apply to:
Single-Use Plastic Bowls and Plates
The ban applies to single-use plastic bowls and plates. The bans applies even if these items are made from biodegradable plastics, compostable plastics, or bio-plastics. This includes those made from Australian certified compostable plastic.
The ban does not apply to:
Single-Use Paper and Cardboard Bowls and Plates with a Plastic Lining or Coating
The EPA has issued a temporary two-year exemption until 31 October 2024 for plates and bowls that are made of paper or cardboard but have a plastic lining or coating. This includes products like takeaway cardboard bowls without lids and printed or coloured paper 'party' plates and bowls.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Food Service Items
The ban applies to EPS food service items, such as clamshells, cups, plates and bowls.
The ban does not apply to:
Single-Use Plastic Cotton Buds
The ban does not apply to:
Certain Rinse-Off Personal Care Products Containing Plastic Microbeads
Certain rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads, such as face and body cleansers, exfoliants and masks, shampoo, conditioner, hair dyes, and toothpaste are banned.
The National Retail Association has launched a free hotline - 1800 844 946 - designed to help businesses, community organisers and consumers with any queries on the bans.
To read more about NSW Plastics Ban visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-ban
Council Update
2023 Australia Day Awards
Members of the Blayney Shire community are invited to nominate persons whom they consider worthy of a 2023 Australia Day Award. There will be five categories which include:
Citizen of the Year Award
Young Citizen of the Year Award
Community Event of the Year Award
Volunteer of the Year Award
Appreciation Award
Please visit Council's Australia Awards page to submit your nomination online.
Nominations close Monday 28 November 2022.
Positions Vacant
Council currently has the following positions available:
Please refer to Council's website for an Information Package and details on how to apply for these positions.
Temporary Road Closure of Lynch's Bridge - Mandurama Road, Mandurama
Notice is hereby given that Mandurama Road, Mandurama (at Lynch's Bridge) is temporarily closed due to storm damage from Wednesday 16 November 2022 until further notice.
Residents and road users are advised the recommended detour is via Neville Road and we ask that motorists obey all directions and signage.
We regret any inconvenience caused, we appreciate your understanding, patience and cooperation as we deliver this project for the community.
Documents on Public Exhibition
Following the December Ordinary Meeting, Council is seeking comment on the following documents now on public exhibition:
Written submissions must be received prior to 5pm Thursday 22 December 2022.
Companion Animals Microchipping and De-sexing Program
Blayney Shire Council are again assisting Blayney Shire residents with the cost of microchipping and/or de-sexing companion animals.The 2022 program will see Council provide free microchipping and $50 towards the cost of de-sexing of companion animals (two companion animals per person max. Applicants must provide proof of residency within the Blayney Shire).
The program runs from now until all program funds are expended and can only be undertaken at the Blayney Vets.
To book your pet in please contact Blayney Vets on 6368 2264.
Last modified: 24 Nov 2022