The Queensland Government has introduced legislation to ban the release of lighter than air balloons. The ban is likely to be put into effect in September 2023.
'Released lighter than air (helium balloons) are a major source of plastic pollution and a particular threat to wildlife.' said Toby Hutcheon, Campaign Manager of the Boomerang Alliance
'This ban will stop the practice and encourage the community to find alternative ways to celebrate and commemorate their important occasions. Ways that don't lead to polluting the environment and harming wildlife.'
'We congratulate the State Government on banning lighter than air balloons and ask those planning any future releases to please find another way to celebrate or commemorate your important occasions.'
'Our wildlife will thank you for it.' he said
The Boomerang Alliance is urging all State and Territory Governments to ban lighter than air balloon releases. Releasing balloons is an act of littering that many are either unaware of or ignore. It's only by banning the practice that we can hope to stop it happening.