NSW Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has spoken about his continued support for policy action regarding plastic waste in NSW. 

Ward’s comments come after the release of the most recent NSW Parliamentary Research Service paper: ‘Single-use plastic product bans in Australia’. The paper examines the details surrounding the policy approaches of various jurisdictions in NSW. 

Ward emphasised the severity of the plastic pollution crisis warning that by the year 2050, there may be more plastic than fish by weight in our oceans. 

“NSW alone generates 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year and only 12 per cent of it is recycled,” says Ward. 

The plastic pollution crisis is severe and does more than harm the environment, it impacts human consumption with the spread of microplastics into our food, water and air. 

Various plastic bans, including lightweight bags, straws and cutlery were introduced under the 2021 NSW Plastic Action Plan in NSW. Additional bans were proposed by the NSW Government in October 2023, including take away cups, plastic cigarette filters and heavyweight plastic bags. 

Ward is committed to conservation and has previously opposed coal seam gas projects in water catchment areas because “it was the right thing to do for our region and for our local environment.”

“We do not want plastic ending up in our rivers, beaches, oceans or water catchment areas or impacting upon or endangering any of our native marine wildlife.” Ward urges the implementation of legislative and policy actions that are necessary to keep improving the environment and policy response to plastic waste. 

“I stand ready to work with all levels of government to improve the Plastics Action Plan and to improve our State’s policy response on plastic waste.”