Helium balloons can travel long distances creating litter hundreds of kilometres from the release site and pose a potential threat to wildlife.
Council resolved at its monthly meeting to educate the community about the environmental risks and controls associated with releasing helium filled balloons outside.
“It is in fact an offence to release 20 or more gas-filled balloons in the open air under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act (200,” said Council’s Director Planning & Environment Brendan Hayes.
“It is important that the community is aware of the environmental impact caused by balloons and the legislation regarding their release,” Brendan said.
Chair of Council’s Waste Committee, Councillor Alan Ward said releases often happened at times of difficulty or celebration. “Council is aiming to encourage residents to consider alternate ways to better commemorate these events.”
“There are more environmentally friendly options such as bubbles, lighting candles, scattering flower petals or planting native trees for those wishing to commemorate the passing of a loved one or celebrating an occasion or event.”
For more information about the impact and controls around releasing helium filled balloons visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/questions/release-helium-balloons