NSW Greens MP Kobi Shetty calls for statewide ban on helium balloons outdoors

The sight of a helium balloon floating in the sky could soon lead to an $1100 fine if a state MP’s push comes to fruition.

The release of a single helium balloon could soon carry an $1100 fine under a new call for a statewide ban in NSW.

State laws prohibit the release of 20 or more “lighter than air” balloons; however, Greens MP Kobi Shetty has pushed to make even the release of one helium balloon an offence.

The new proposed wording of the rule would read: “A person who releases one or more balloons at or about the same time is guilty of an offence if the balloons are inflated with a gas that causes them to rise in the air.”

However, the current law doesn’t apply to balloons released unintentionally and without negligence.

Speaking in parliament, Ms Shetty said the ban on releasing balloons outdoors should apply to all materials, including the foil and plastic mix Mylar balloon and latex balloons that incorrectly claim to be “biodegradable”.

NSW Greens MP Kobi Shetty has called for the strengthening of existing laws. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Swift

Ms Shetty said both kinds of balloons posed a long-term threat to marine animals and wildlife.

“Balloons which are released into the environment often become marine debris, travelling hundreds of kilometres to end up as litter along our beaches and oceans,” she told the lower house.

“I know that people not living along the coast might think there is no way the balloons they’re releasing into the environment will become ocean debris, but evidence suggests otherwise.”

The release of helium balloons is banned in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, with a ban flagged in the Northern Territory as well.

In Queensland, the wording of the law only applies to the “deliberate” release of helium balloons and carries a fine of $309.

In WA, the offence stipulates that if a child releases a helium balloon into the air, than a “supervising adult” will be held responsible for the release and accompanying $5000 fine.

In Victoria, the act is considered littering and can carry a maximum fine of up to $991 for an individual or $4956 for a company. Multiple balloon releases can lead to maximum fines of up to $16,522 for a person, and up to $82,610 for a company, if the matter is taken to court.

NSW could become the fourth state to ban the release of helium balloons. Picture: iStock

Ms Shetty said the proposed change would prevent the “tragic deaths of countless animals, ensuring a safer future for our wildlife”.

“NSW is lagging behind other states that have already banned the release of helium balloons, and it’s time for us to get our act together,” she said.

“The Bill is designed to act as a deterrent and encourage behaviour change, with penalties aimed at preventing deliberate balloon releases, not punishing children who lose their balloon. “The existing exemptions would not change, and fines would not apply if balloons are released unintentionally and without negligence.”