Plastic Bag Trial Begins in Victoria
Source: Victoria. Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Media Release
"The major supermarkets and the Brumby Government launched an Australian-first trial that will test a charge on plastic checkout bags. Supermarket shoppers in Fountain Gate, Wangaratta and Warrnambool will pay a 10c government and industry charge for each plastic checkout bag in a bid to reduce Victoria’s use of one billion bags a year. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings joined Margy Osmond from the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) to launch the four-week trial at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre. Mr Jennings also announced the Brumby Government will distribute 50,000 free reusable bags to vulnerable Victorians in the trial areas, through VicRelief agencies and DHS disability services."