Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01047:reg:34:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L01047
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 34 (pt 1/3)
Character Range: 104432–110957

34

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

Action                                                                                                                       Priority/timeframe                              Output                                                                                                                                                                                                            Outcome                                                                                                                  Responsibility
5.01 Raise the profile of marine debris impacts on marine vertebrate species, especially EPBC Act-listed threatened species  High priority — throughout the life of the TAP  Engagement with the public on marine debris impact and                                                                                                                                                            Community better engaged on the wildlife impacts of consumer products to drive choices that limit marine debris impacts  Department of the Environment and Energy
                                                                                                                                                                             pollution issues through Australian Government social media channels (Threatened Species Commissioner, Commonwealth marine reserves, Department of the Environment and Energy, NESP, AMSA) through promotion of:
                                                                                                                                                                               •   marine debris problems identified through source reduction planning, such as helium balloons and wildlife impacts resulting from ships' waste discarded at sea                                              Greater levels of personal responsibility in relation to consumption and                                                 NESP NGOs
                                                                                                                                                                               •   outcomes of research into impacts of marine debris on marine species, including any potential human health impacts arising from research into marine microplastic and associated chemical contamination     waste management                                                                                                         Education agencies/schools
                                                                                                                                                                               •   wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts for marine species impacted by marine debris
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        State, territory and local government agencies

Action                                                             Priority/timeframe               Output                                                                                                                                                                                                   Outcome                                                         Responsibility
                                                                                                    Continued production of ghost net art, especially in coastal
                                                                                                    Indigenous  communities

                                                                                                    Engagement with community on marine debris, litter and waste management issues through school programs, local government and NGOs
5.02 Improve public communication about consumer waste and litter  Ongoing for the life of the TAP  Reinvigorated, nationally consistent communication aimed at preventing litter and improved recycling effort (based around psychological insights into littering behaviour, e.g. Spehr and Curnow, 2015)  Better awareness of consumer impacts on the marine environment

                                                                                                    Existing litter campaigns are refocused on:
                                                                                                      •   microplastic (including microfibers) emphasising that this material cannot be removed from the ocean
                                                                                                      •   the everyday sources of marine debris e.g. helium balloons released into the environment at celebrations and ceremonies
                                                                                                      •   improved information and labelling on appropriate disposal of degradable and
                                                                                                      compostable plastics
                                                                                                      •   public education through promotion of major public events such as no-waste days

           3.    Duration, investment, implementation and evaluation of the plan

           3.1 Duration

This threat abatement plan is subject to review within five years. Given the global nature of the marine debris flows and the durability of the materials involved, many of the objectives and actions in this plan will continue to be valid well beyond the five-year review period.

           3.2  Investment in the plan

This TAP is not linked directly to any Australian Government funding programs. However, the plan helps direct the focus of government funding programs to activities that will help to meet identified actions. While the Australian Government is unable