Minister launches the Great Armadale Calico Bag Giveaway

11/6/04
Armadale is leading the way in the campaign to rid Western Australia of the environmental blight of plastic bags.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Armadale Mayor Linton Reynolds today announced that 10,000 calico bags would be given away to Armadale shoppers.
"Used just twice a week, these 10,000 bags will save 10.4 million plastic bags a year," Ms MacTiernan said.
"If every region in WA followed our example and produced 10,000 calico bags, we would be a long way towards a plastic bag-free environment."
Australians use almost seven billion plastic bags a year, with tragic consequences - killing fish, birds and other wildlife and adding enormously to landfill costs and other problems.
Ms MacTiernan said the initiative, The Great Armadale Calico Bag Giveaway, was led by the Armadale Redevelopment Authority and reinforced the State Government's commitment to sustainability.
It also demonstrated the ARA's responsible leadership in environmental matters and strengthened the solid partnership in Armadale between the State, local government and the business community.
"When people receive their free Armadale bag, they will realise how strong and versatile they are, and get really serious about kicking the plastic bag habit," the Minister said.
The bags (one per person) are available at the Armadale Shopping Centre, the City of Armadale's administrative office and libraries and the ARA office at the Jull Street mall entrance to the shopping centre.
After the launch, Ms MacTiernan, Cr Reynolds and shopping centre representative Peter Flatt walked through the centre, presenting shoppers with the free calico bags.
The bags, produced by the ARA, the City of Armadale and Armadale Shopping City, carry three logos on one side and the statement 'Sustainable Armadale' on the other.
Minister's Office - 9213 6400