Parkes Phoenix Editor

Customers shopping at Woolworths Forbes will begin to notice in-store reminders to bring their own reusable bags, as the supermarket prepares to go single-use plastic bag free nationally from 20th June.

Across Australia this will see the removal of 3.2 billion lightweight plastic bags from circulation each year.

Woolworths Forbes Store Manager, Noel Reardon said: “At Woolworths we are committed to listening to our customers and also doing the right thing for the environment. We are proud to be able to help create a greener future for Australia with our customers by removing single-use plastic bags from our store from 20th June.

“We appreciate that it will be a big change for our customers and will do what we can to support them through the transition to make it as smooth and simple as possible.” In the lead up to then, there will be increased signage in-store and at checkouts reminding customers on the date change.

Customers will have the option to bring in their own bags or will have access to purchase a range of reusable bag options starting from 15 cents.

Planet Ark CEO Paul Klymenko said: “Woolworths’ move will have a really positive impact on our environment and we’re confident the local community will embrace it.

“Single-use plastic bags have become a huge problem for Australia’s oceans and waterways where they cause significant harm to marine life, such as turtles and whales. They also don’t breakdown in landfill and require significant resources to manufacture in the first place.

“Experience in countries like the UK and Ireland shows that the introduction of small charges on plastic bags can end up reducing plastic bag usage by up to 85% as locals embrace reusable alternatives. This is a real win for the environment,” he said.

Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP, announced applications are now open for the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program, unlocking $30 million for community infrastructure projects across NSW.

Philip said $330,000 is available for projects in each NSW electorate, including the Orange Electorate, and urged local councils and not-for-profit groups to apply for the funds they need to deliver projects with social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

“Local sports clubs, charities, men’s sheds and scouts are just some of the groups that benefit from this program.

“If your organisation or club needs extra funding for the building, refurbishment or enhancement of facilities, then I’d strongly encourage you to apply.

“This is a great opportunity to get the support your community group needs to make real improvements in the places you meet, train or recreate,” said Philip.

Applications opened on Monday, 7th May and close at 5pm on Friday, 15th June 2018. Applicants must read the program guidelines to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible.

 

From New York to Los Angeles, experience some of the most exciting cities in the world. The USA offers breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, national parks, theme parks, history, art and culture.

Visit the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building in New York or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Be star struck on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Why not take the kids to Disneyland or take a road trip on Route 66 or take a helicopter ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon? We have something to suit all members of the family.

We are excited to partner with HSBC to bring you closer to that dream holiday.

For a holiday you will remember and want to tell everyone about, chat with helloworld Travel Forbes today on (02) 6852 2344 or call in store.

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding drivers to put their mobile phones down, after the latest observation survey recorded 63 motorists using their phones while driving.

The survey conducted in Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin, showed that there were 34 more people spotted using their mobile phone whilst driving, compared to an earlier survey conducted in October 2017, which is almost a 50% increase.

The survey also showed a 0.3% decrease in the combined seatbelt wearing rate in comparison to the October survey, however the combined seatbelt wearing rate of 98.6% is 0.6% above the state average.

The observations surveys are conducted bi-annually in Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin and aim to measure, monitor and improve local seatbelt wearing rates and the number of drivers complying with mobile phone legislation.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said that there is an urban and highway location in each town with survey staff conducting the observations for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon at both locations.

“The observation surveys give us a really good insight into current local driver and passenger behaviour. The seatbelt wearing rates are great but the mobile phone usage rates are disappointing.

“Many people would agree that using mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle is dangerous. Your attention simply cannot be in two places at once and the split second you glance away from your windscreen to check your mobile phone screen, could cost you or someone else their life.

“If you use a mobile phone while you’re driving you can be up to four times more likely to have a crash,” said Melanie.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant, Dearne Jeffree said that using a mobile phone while driving costs New South Wales drivers $330 and four demerit points.

“Mobile phones are distracting which can often lead to dangerous driving behaviours. If you don’t have the self-discipline to not touch it then put in a place where the temptation is removed. If you are detected using your phone whilst driving you will receive a ticket,” Sergeant Jeffree said.

Melanie will be working with Police and Roads and Maritime Services to develop and implement a low cost education campaign over the coming months.