Concerns have been raised that Queensland has lost momentum in expanding its single-use plastic bans, with campaigners arguing the state is falling behind others in Australia.

The state initially introduced measures in 2018, including bans on lightweight shopping bags, plastic straws, plates, cutlery and cotton buds with plastic stems.However, no new restrictions have been implemented since September 2023.A broader roadmap for phasing out additional plastic items was released in 2022, with further bans originally planned for 2024.That plan was later paused by the Queensland Labor government in May 2022, pending a national meeting aimed at aligning approaches across states.By the time the meeting took place, the government had lost the 2024 election, leaving the roadmap effectively stalled.

Environmental advocates, including the Boomerang Alliance, argue that Queensland is now lagging behind other states that continue to advance plastic reduction policies.Proposed but unimplemented measures included bans on items such as plastic cups, supermarket produce bags, fruit stickers and polystyrene trays.Campaigners emphasise that many of these products are significant contributors to litter and microplastic pollution.Practical challenges have also emerged.

Trials of reusable cups at Stadiums Queensland venues showed promise but revealed a lack of local infrastructure to wash large volumes of reusable items.This issue is particularly relevant ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, where sustainability commitments are expected to be a major focus.

International examples, such as the Paris Olympics and planned measures for the Los Angeles Games, highlight growing global pressure to reduce single-use waste.

The Queensland government has indicated that a new waste and recycling strategy will be released later this year, but has not provided specific details on further plastic bans or timelines, leaving stakeholders uncertain about future policy direction.