Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01047:reg:27:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01047
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 27 (pt 4/5)
Character Range: 99330–103252

forms of plastic, microplastic and associated hazardous chemical contaminants in Australian waters  CSIRO, Australian, state and NT governments, other research providers
4.07 Enhance collection of data related to ghost net retrievals from Commonwealth waters across northern Australia                                        Ongoing for the life of the plan                           Long-term datasets on ghost net retrievals from Australian Commonwealth waters, including data on the presence of entangled threatened species                                                                                          Improved ability to conduct source reduction planning in relation to ghost nets                                                                                                      Department of Environment and Energy working with Australian Government and charter vessel operators

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Assistance with identification of accumulation zones for ghost nets
4.08 Improve understanding of the impact and origins of ghost nets                                                                                        Medium priority—within 6 months of TAP being in place      Promotion of the use of ghost net identification kits in coastal northern Australia through TAP team members to all Australian, state, NT and local governments, ranger and community groups that are involved in ghost net management  Improved ghost net data collection using identification kits (with a view to aiding source reduction planning)                                                                       TAP team

Objective 5: Increase public understanding of the causes and impacts of marine debris, including microplastic and hazardous chemical contaminants, to bring about behaviour change

Changes in the way people buy, use and dispose of consumer products will play a major role in limiting the impact of marine debris. To achieve this change, consumers need to understand both short- and long-term implications of continuing to use and dispose of plastic and other materials in their current form and at the current rate. Increasing understanding of potential marine food chain and human health impacts from microplastic and contaminants could be a major driver of change in consumer behaviour.
Plastic Free July is an example of effective community-based action aimed at raising awareness of the issues associated with single-use disposable plastic. This initiative, developed in 2011 by Western Metropolitan Regional Council in Perth, Western Australia and now attracting national and international interest, encourages the public to refuse single-use plastic every July, focusing on plastic bags, bottles, takeaway coffee cups and straws.  An estimated 84,000 Western Australians participated in 2016, and around one million people from 130 other countries joined in. A recent survey showed that eight out of ten Western Australians are concerned about the amount of rubbish that goes into landfill and the plastics that are polluting the ocean and have indicated they are willing to change their habits.
In the Great Barrier Reef catchment, the Reef Guardian schools program provides an excellent example of a
school-based initiative that improves understanding of environmental risks and solutions. The program sees students team up with others in their community to actively participate in activities aimed at improving catchments, water quality, sustainability and Great