A local councillor is pushing for a ban on single-use coffee cups as data reveals they are the most littered items near a well-known beach strip.
The notified motion, which was presented to Noosa Council at its June ordinary meeting, has already received support from organisations across the region.
Councillor Amelia Lorentson moved the motion encouraging an industry-led transition from single-use coffee cups.
She is calling on the council to support Plastic Free Noosa to deliver the voluntary initiative, which would involve a “simple, scalable plan” focusing on education and business support to establish a behavioural shift towards reusable options.
If adopted, it could save businesses thousands of dollars annually in purchasing takeaway cups.
Cr Lorentson said more than 1.8 billion coffee cups were discarded in Australia each year.
“Most are lined with plastic and can’t be recycled through kerbside bins,” she said.
“In 2023, waste audits along Noosa Main Beach boardwalk and Gympie Terrace identified coffee cups as the most common litter item (18 per cent and 19.5 per cent, respectively).”
She said a 2025 audit of Hastings Street, excluding the boardwalk and beachside, revealed coffee cups accounted for 8 per cent of the waste.
Noosa Council opened its Noosa Waste Plan up for public comment in 2023, which garnered strong public support for initiatives that reduce plastic pollution and encourage responsible business practices.
“Supporting a voluntary transition away from single-use cups directly responds to this feedback,” Cr Lorentson said.
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“It also aligns with the Sustainable Practices actions in Noosa’s Destination Management Plan, which seeks to reinforce our reputation as an environmentally responsible and future-ready destination.”
She said the town of Bermagui in New South Wales became the first in Australia where all cafes voluntarily phased out single-use cups, which saved businesses $12,500 and more than 70,000 cups.
Byron Shire Council has also eliminated single-use plastics from its council-run venues and events.
Cr Lorentson said the motion built on work already happening in the community and aimed to encourage rather than enforce change.
“It’s about creating the right conditions for change to help cafes, event organisers and coffee retailers to voluntarily transition confidently and successfully away from single-use cups,” she said.
“It’s about supporting local businesses on the ground, many of whom are already ahead of the curve, and ensuring they have the tools, knowledge and support to transition from single-use coffee cups.
“The appetite for change is here, we just need to harness it.
“That’s why council’s role is not to impose change, but to create the environment where it becomes easier and more attractive for businesses to make that shift on their own terms and timelines.”
In a letter of support, Plastic Free Noosa program coordinator Jen Sharpe said a recent pilot program with resealable coffee cups at the Noosa Eat and Drink festival provided an example of how this could be done on a larger scale.
“We must now utilise this positive momentum to take the initiative wider into the community,” Ms Sharpe said.
“I urge council to endorse and actively support this motion. Together, we can set a powerful example of circular economy leadership – one cup at a time.”
Noosa World Surfing Reserve president Kirra Molnar said plastic pollution remained a “real threat” and put the support of the organisation behind the motion.
“We believe that a coordinated shire approach is key to making a difference in this space and that Noosa should lead by example,” Ms Molnar said via the letter.
“Most residents who live here do so for the environment that surrounds them and are keen to protect it.”
The Sunshine Coast Surfrider Foundation has also thrown its support behind the motion.
“This is a timely, important and locally grounded step towards reducing plastic waste, protecting our marine environment and inspiring communities across Queensland and beyond,” a letter from the organisation stated.
Cr Lorentson said as part of the motion she would like to see Noosa Council shift away from single-use coffee cups within its own operations.
The motion requested a report detailing any costs associated with the implementation of the initiative for future council consideration and endorsement.
It was carried with councillors Frank Wilkie, Karen Finzel, Jessica Phillips and Amelia Lorentson for, and councillors Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener and Nicola Wilson against.
