Council Cutting Back on Plastic at Eco Fiesta

Townsville residents will be encouraged to help the city become more environmentally friendly when they attend Eco Fiesta at Queens Gardens this Sunday.

The Townsville City Council event will feature War on Waste presenter Craig Reucassel and popular children’s show The Whales Tale.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Eco Fiesta is an ideal way to promote sustainable living.

“We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world, one of the wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef – is on our doorstep,” Cr Hill said.

“The event is designed to increase awareness about environmental issues and sustainability.

“We need to reduce everyday waste, look after our oceans and think about Townsville’s future.”

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said Council is leading by example.

“We have enforced a ban on all single use plastics throughout the planning of this event,” Cr Greaney said.

“All suppliers and vendors have embraced the approach so people won’t see any straws, plastic cups or disposable cutlery.

“We have also extended this to include balloons, plastic bags, plastic drink bottles and food packaging.”

Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said people can make simple changes to help the environment.

“We’re encouraging Townsville households to follow our lead on single use plastics, but there are other ways to help,” Cr Cook said.

“I’d urge residents across the city to be more vigilant with their recycling.

“Council offers free recycling collections every two weeks and people can take bigger recyclable items to our waste stations for free.”

Eco Fiesta will run from 9am – 3pm at Queens Gardens this Sunday.