Byron Shire balloon ban established to protect environment

A North Coast council has deflated festive plans after banning a popular party item in a bid to better protect the planet.

Byron Bay Main Beach. Picture: Savannah Pocock

A North Coast council has put a pin in people’s party plans after banning a popular item in a bid to better protect the environment.

Byron Shire Council announced on Tuesday it would be placing a ban on balloons on council-owned sites, including parks, playgrounds and road reserves, to ensure the conservation of seabirds and marine life across the ecologically diverse vibrant tourist region.

Council-owned community halls, sporting facilities and swimming pools are also subject to the ban.

The deflating announcement comes after a single use packaging and materials policy was implemented by council on June 1.

Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said it was common knowledge balloons were one most lethal types of debris impacting Australian seabirds and other marine life including turtles.

A balloon with plastic ties washed up on Boambee Beach. Picture: Supplied.

“If balloons and party decorations are ending up in our oceans and waterways and causing harm to our precious marine life, we have to take immediate action to stop this from happening. It’s what our community expects and absolutely the right thing to do,” he said.

“The ban will impact those organising events in our halls, buildings and parks but we will be working closely with individuals and groups to make the switch to reusable alternatives.”

Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon. Picture: Provided.

Byron Bay Bang Bang Balloons owner Lily Boyau supported the ban and said her business was “as eco-friendly as possible” and that there were other locations in which balloons could be responsibly used.

“This ban should be the way of the future because nobody needs to throw balloons into the environment for any reason,” she said.

“We don’t support helium balloons being released anywhere.”

Bang Bang Balloons has a program which involves workers collecting the balloons after an event and sending them to TerraCycle who then recycle the material.

Balloons are a danger to seagulls and many other species of seabirds and marine life. Picture: File

While Ms Boyau does all she can to prevent litter, she said she has limited control over where the balloons go when they leave the store.

The ban includes all balloons including biodegradable, helium, latex and water balloons. Along with plastic disks, ribbons and strings attached to balloons, glitter, confetti, streamers, tinsel, party poppers and glow sticks.

Balloon alternatives include flowers, fairy lights, festoons, lanterns, bubbles, kites, pinwheels and ribbon wands.

The Ballina Shire has a similar balloon ban that came into effect last year.

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