• Source: EPA NSW.
    Source: EPA NSW.
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The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling on the public to provide feedback on plastics use, reducing waste and pollution, and methods to increase recycling across the state. Almost 10,000 submissions have already been received.

The community can offer feedback on two papers – Cleaning Up Our Act: Redirecting the Future of Plastic in NSW and Cleaning Up Our Act: The Future for Waste and Resource Recovery in NSW.

The first paper outlines pathways in reducing single-use and problematic plastics in the state and helping to build a circular economy, while the second paper outlines options to reduce waste, increase recycling and guides opportunities on the future of waste and recycling infrastructure.

Questions such as, “Do you support the phase out of lightweight plastic bags?” and “How can government make it easier to use less plastic?” are among those being asked to the community/

In 2018-19, around 60 per cent of all littered items were made from plastic and by 2050, there will be more plastic by weight in the ocean than fish, according to EPA NSW.

For more information on these papers and to give feedback, visit https://yoursay.dpie.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions close Friday, 8 May.

Food & Drink Business

Poultry and food producer, TasFoods, and its subsidiaries – including Nichols Poultry – have been acquired by RAMP Tasmania Poultry. The sale ensures the continued local operation of TasFoods and the employment of all Tasmanian staff.

The winners of the 2026 World Drinks Awards have been announced, with several Australian distillers recognised across a range of categories – including Prohibition Liquor Co, Fnq Rum Co, New Norfolk Distillery, Reef Distillers and Never Never.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) has launched its inaugural 2026 Royal Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Awards, supported by Lark Distillery founder and industry veteran, Bill Lark, as Patron of the Awards.