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Ban of single use water bottles to lessen impacts of plastic pollution made by Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium

At Monday night's council meeting, council voted in support of removing the supply of single use water bottles at all Latrobe City Council venues and events in a staged approach, by the end of 2023.

By news@gippsland - 6th September 2022 - Back to News

A 12-month trial banning the use of single use water bottles at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium has resulted in council reducing the impacts of plastic pollution with over 65,500 plastic water bottles saved from waste.

Council endorsed to investigate partnerships and opportunities to supply refillable bottles as part of the preparation of council's Sustainability and Environment Action Plan

Living well Latrobe

The trial, initially deferred due to the impacts of COVID, was held at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium where single use water bottles weren't made available for sale, rather user groups and patrons were able to access communal water drinking fountains and purchase refillable water bottles. Since installation, the communal water drinking fountains have provided 39,306 litres of water.

The Living Well Latrobe, Municipal Public Health and Well Being Plan 2022-2025 is council's commitment to ensure the Latrobe City community is as healthy and safe a place as possible for everyone.

Plastic pollution reduced

To support the Municipal Health and WellBeing Plan 2022-2025 and importantly the community in making healthy and active lifestyle choices, as the operators of sporting and recreation facilities, it is important for council to promote healthy lifestyles, healthy eating and water as the drink of choice.

The trial, while successful in reducing the volume of plastic pollution which harms our health, wildlife and the environment and attracts significant clean-up costs, resulted in an increase in the sale of sports and soft drinks.

Engagement with the Sports Stadium's user groups and patrons found that overall sentiment indicated a preference to see the removal of sugar sweetened drinks in place of water being made available for sale. Following the removal of the sale of bottled water, sports drink sales increased from 2018/19 to 2021/22 by 79% and soft drink sales by 47%.

Reduce and remove the availability

Latrobe Leisure is committed to the implementation of the Victorian government's Healthy Choices Guidelines across all kiosks, with the trial consequently resulting in non-compliance with the guidelines due to the increased sales of sports and soft drinks.

Council endorsed to investigate partnerships and opportunities to supply refillable bottles as part of the preparation of council's Sustainability and Environment Action Plan, and to reduce and remove the availability of some single use plastics in line with proposed new environmental regulations in Victoria.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term.
• Gippsland families face rising cost pressures as Nationals criticise Labor government over interest rates, spending and inflation
  The Nationals say rising interest rates are increasing pressure on Gippsland families, criticising Labor’s spending and inflation while outlining plans for budget discipline, tax cuts and productivity.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• East Gippsland Jobs Expo connects job seekers with employers, training providers and career opportunities across the region on 8 October 2026
  East Gippsland Jobs Expo on October 8 will connect job seekers with employers, training providers and employment services, showcasing local career pathways and workforce opportunities across the region.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.
• East Gippsland coastal management plan gains ministerial approval after extensive community consultation and collaboration across region
  East Gippsland's Coastal and Marine Management Plan has received Ministerial Approval, recognising three years of community consultation and providing a shire-wide framework for sustainably managing coastal and marine environments.
• East Gippsland Agriculture Tour showcases innovation, resilience and collaboration across the region's diverse farming sector
  ASAC members toured East Gippsland agricultural businesses, exploring sustainable farming, weed management, technology and dairy practices while strengthening industry connections and informing future regional agricultural priorities.
• West Gippsland Arts Centre opens 2027 exhibition applications for artists and creatives across all visual disciplines and genres
  West Gippsland Arts Centre is inviting artists across visual disciplines to submit expressions of interest for its 2027 exhibition program, with submissions closing October 12, 2026.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions to agriculture, healthy catchments and sustainable farming futures
  West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions through a podcast featuring dairy farmer Jess Knight, highlighting farm life, community connections, irrigation knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices shaping the region’s future.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
  High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.
• Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers.
• East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day
  East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
  South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors.
• Baw Baw Shire Council launches the return of Gippy Girls Can in September with something for every woman
  Gippy Girls Can returns across Baw Baw in September, offering women and girls welcoming, beginner-friendly and affordable opportunities to try new activities, get active and connect.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
  The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery launches spring season with five exhibitions and live mural creation on 19 September 2026 In Morwell
  Latrobe Regional Gallery will launch its Spring Season on Saturday, September 19, featuring five exhibitions and a live monumental mural by Japanese-Australian artist Twoone/Hiroyasu Tsuri during the Morwell event.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
  Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Darren Chester warns Gippslanders to prepare for potential mass native bird deaths following H5 bird flu detection
  Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to prepare for potential native bird deaths after H5 bird flu was detected at Lakes Entrance, warning of significant wildlife impacts and calling for coordinated biosecurity measures.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
  RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Regional ambulance response times deteriorate across Eastern Victoria under Labor, Melina Bath demands answers from Carroll government
  Melina Bath has criticised deteriorating ambulance response times across eastern Victoria, saying every local government area is worse than 12 years ago and calling on Labor to restore timely emergency care.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.
• Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
  The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria.
• Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
  The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028.
• Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
  A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
  Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• Latrobe City Libraries offer free live music celebrating local Gippsland talent from October to December 2026
  Latrobe City Libraries will host free, family-friendly live music from local Gippsland musicians across Morwell, Traralgon and Moe from October to December 2026. No bookings are required; everyone is welcome to attend.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
  Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi.
• Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
  Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries.
• Moondarra Reservoir gains new pathway and native garden beds, enhancing recreation, accessibility and Aboriginal cultural connections
  Gippsland Water has completed a new pathway and native garden beds at Moondarra Reservoir, improving visitor access, enhancing recreation and incorporating local flora, Aboriginal cultural information and community collaboration.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
  Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment.
• The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
  The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis.
• Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
  The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record.
• Latrobe City completes major lighting upgrade across all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve, boosting netball opportunities
  Latrobe City Council has upgraded all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve with 200-lux lighting, enabling extended evening use, expanded competitions and training for Traralgon Netball Association 1,400 annual participants.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• The Nationals warn visa delays threaten harvest workforce, food supply and regional farmers already facing mounting pressures
  The Nationals warn visa delays are threatening critical harvest and agricultural workforces, urging Labor to provide certainty, faster approvals and migration settings supporting farmers, regional communities and food supply.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.
• Melina Bath announces $53.6M boost to patient travel assistance for regional Victorians under Nationals-Liberal government
  Melina Bath says a proposed $53.6 million boost to Victoria’s patient transport assistance would increase accommodation and travel reimbursements, easing healthcare costs for regional patients travelling long distances for specialist treatment.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Katie Noonan brings intimate 'Alone But All One' tour to Cowes for regional Australian audiences on 10 October 2026
  Katie Noonan brings her intimate Alone But All One tour to Cowes’ Berninneit October 10, with interview opportunities September 23 and ticket giveaways available for audiences through Gippsland.com.