Leanne Enoch
June 20, 2018
Woolworths and Big W stores across Queensland are no longer supplying shoppers with single-use plastic bags at the checkout, ahead of the State Government ban on July 1.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said it was great to see Woolworths getting in early this week.
“Unbelievably, Queenslanders use nearly one billion single use plastic shopping bags every year. If you lined all of these up in a row, one by one, it would extend from the NSW border to the top of the Cape more than 160 times,” Ms Enoch said.
“With just over a week to go before the ban comes into effect, I urge retailers to put their final plans in place.
“Those who continue to supply plastic shopping bags after the ban comes into effect could face a fine of up to $6300 per offence.”
Woolworths Queensland General Manager Matt Franich said Wednesday’s move was an important step in the company’s commitment to make positive change happen.
”By working together with our customers we are committed to moving towards a more sustainable future,” Mr Franich said.
“We feel very strongly this is the right thing to do, and that together with our customers we can help create a greener future for Queensland.”
Single-use plastic bags are not available at Aldi and are being phased out at IGA and SupaIGA stores in the region.
