25 March 2019

Mayor Barry Sammels
City of Rockingham Council 

CC: Michael Parker, Chief Executive Officer
Rockingham City Councilors
Rosina O'Neill, Rosie O Amazing Balloon Decor 

Proposed Council Policy on Single-Use Plastics & Balloons

Dear Mayor Sammels,

I am writing to you to discuss Rockingham Council's proposed changes to policies on single-use plastics and balloons. I am a  professional member of the balloon industry, a local business owner and a Director of the Pro Environment Balloon Alliance (PEBA).  

PEBA is Australia's largest balloon industry association and advocacy body. We are successfully promoting and implementing proactive changes in industry practices. PEBA and our members do not support, condone or facilitate the release of helium balloons. We advocate for effective changes to policy and legislation that prohibit the deliberate release of helium balloons into the environment.

As Local, State and Federal Governments are rolling out new policies impacting on our industry, we appreciate the opportunity to provide Rockingham Council with PEBA's perspective on the draft policy pertaining to balloons.

Within 18 months and with over 700 members, PEBA has grown into the largest balloon industry association in the world. PEBA has members in 37 different countries and new chapters have opened in the UK, Norway and the US. I am also happy to add that, per capita, WA has the highest percentage of members anywhere in the world. 

The PEBA website can be used as a resource to find recommended PEBA Members who are balloon professionals adhering to our code of conduct for responsible use and disposal of balloons.

Major associations around the world have adopted our policies and the largest balloon manufacturers are introducing packaging, advertising and policies in line with PEBA’s views on balloons and the environment. 

In order to help provide a solution that offers a balanced approach that  is environmentally and economically responsible, we would like to work with Rockingham Council to see a ban on the deliberate release of helium balloons, not a ban on balloons.

By working together, we can stop the sale of helium balloons used for releases whilst also directly educating consumers about the importance of stopping this practice and advising them on the responsible use and disposal of balloons. 

Rosina O'Neill of Rosie O Amazing Balloon Decor has also made a submission for your consideration. Ms O'Neill is a balloon professional, a valued member of our arts and entertainment community and a proud and active member of PEBA. Ms O'Neill and myself were pleased to be able to contribute to the discussions on the formulation of the Kwinana Council Balloon Policy which sets a balanced precedent for effective policy pertaining to balloons and the environment. 

In order to extend the effectiveness of regulations on the use and safe enjoyment of balloons we are also asking the State Government to make an amendment to the Litter Act to specifically include a ban on releases of helium balloon. This will further assist in preventing balloon litter, not only on government property but also at a state-wide level.

In the draft policy there is reference to plans to stop the sale and use of balloons. Can you please provide more information on how this would effect our members and balloon professionals?  We welcome a meeting  with Rockingham Council to discuss how we can work together to achieve a balanced solution.

Yours faithfully 
Brian Gray
Founding Director - PEBA
Ph. 0402 341 950
admin@peba.com.au
www.peba.com.au