Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, has welcomed the announcement that a future LNP Government would move to phase out supermarket-style plastic bags across Queensland, as part of another practical environmental policy initiative.

Mr Cripps said single-use plastic bags had an average lifespan of just 12 months, but can take more than 1000 years to fully decompose and the LNPs initiative had the potential to deliver significant benefits to Queensland’s environment.

“I’m proud of the fact that the LNP is leading the way with practical environmental initiatives to help our community cut waste, reduce landfill and provide a safer and cleaner natural environment for all Queenslanders” said Mr Cripps.

“Queenslanders use around one billion plastic bags every year and the average family can collect up to 60 per week, but by moving to phase out single-use plastic bags, we are making an important and strategic investment in our future” he said.

Mr Cripps said the LNP’s commitment to phase out the use of single-use plastic bags, follows the announcement earlier this year of another practical environmental LNP policy to cut waste and reduce landfill, by introducing a container deposit scheme.

“Back in 2005, all Australian Governments agreed to phase out plastic bags by 2008, but so far only South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the ACT have fulfilled that promise, so it is time that Queensland catches up with these jurisdictions”.

“There are a number of alternatives to utilising of single-use plastic bags, but ultimately it will mean a lifestyle change for families across Queensland, however, this policy could make a huge difference to the quality of our natural environment”.

Mr Cripps said the phasing out of single use plastic bags and the proposed container deposit scheme were examples of the LNPs commitment to the environment, without disadvantaging key job-creating industries across regional Queensland.