A council on the NSW far north coast has enforced a balloon ban in a bid to better protect the environment, minimise landfill and reduce litter.
Byron Shire Council announced on Tuesday that it would ban the use of balloons and other single-use decorations in all council buildings, parks, and outdoor areas.
The ban includes biodegradable, helium, latex and water balloons as well as glitter, confetti, streamers, tinsel, party poppers and glow sticks.
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Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said it’s “the right thing to do”.
“We know that balloons are one most lethal types of debris impacting Australian Seabirds and other marine life including turtles, who eat burst balloons because they look like jellyfish,” he said.
“If balloons and party decorations are ending up in our oceans and waterways and causing harm to our precious marine life, we have to take strong and immediate action to stop this happening.”
The ban will impact anyone organising events in council-owned sites such as community halls, parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, swimming pools and road reserves such as letter boxes and street poles.
The council is encouraging the community to switch to reusable alternatives such as flowers, bunting, fairy lights and bubbles.
“Many local events and venues have already taken the step to eliminate some of these items, and this is just the next phase of Byron leading the way,” Lyon said.
The announcement comes after the council implemented its single-use packaging and materials policy on June 1.
The council will roll out education campaigns, workshops, and online resources to support the transition.