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:

• Serving utensils such as salad servers or tongs,
• Items that are an integrated part of the packaging used to seal or contain food or beverages or included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a straw attached to a juice box or a spoon included with a yogurt).

Exemptions apply in certain settings to ensure continued access to single-use plastic straws for people with a disability or medical need.

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 plastic bowls designed or intended to have a spill-proof lid, such as those used for a takeaway soup,
• Plates or bowls that are an integrated part of the packaging used to seal or contain food or beverages, or are included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as a plastic plate included in a frozen meal),
• Single-use plastic bowls used for medical, scientific or forensic purposes, in certain circumstances, as set out in an exemption granted by the EPA,
• Plates and bowls that are made of paper or cardboard but have a plastic lining or coating.

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:

• EPS fresh produce trays such as those used for raw meat and seafood.
• EPS packaging, including consumer and business-to-business packaging and transport container.
• EPS food service items that are an integrated part of the packaging used to seal or contain food or beverages, or are included within or attached to that packaging, through a machine-automated process (such as an EPS noodle cup).

Single-Use Plastic Cotton Buds

The ban does not apply to:

• Reusable cotton bud sticks, such as those with replaceable ends.
• Single-use cotton buds with wooden, bamboo or paper stems.
• Single-use plastic cotton buds used for medical, scientific or forensic purposes.

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:

• Works Operators Grade 4 (20220023)
• Casual Works Operators Grade 4 (20220024)

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:

• Information Technology Security and Usage Policy
• Signs as Remote Supervision Policy

These documents are available for viewing and downloading on Council's Documents on Public Exhibition page.

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

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