At its most recent Council meeting, Council endorsed to reinstate single use plastic water bottles at Council facilities and events.
In 2023, Council made the decision to remove single use water bottles at all Latrobe City Council facilities and events. As a replacement, Council has provided aluminium canned water at its Leisure facilities.
Latrobe Leisure facilities have received ongoing community feedback about the aluminium water bottles not being suitable for patrons, particularly during sporting events.
Community members have also provided feedback that the cost of the water in aluminium bottles is not good value compared to plastic water bottles.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Dale Harriman, said the reinstatement of water bottles at facilities and events will ensure people have easy access to water, if they forget their drink bottle.
“Council encourages people to use water bottles wherever possible, however we are pleased to once again offer single use water bottles if people need it,” said the Mayor.
“At present, the most popular drink sold at Latrobe Leisure is sports drinks, accounting for 47 percent of total sales. Based on customer feedback and sales data, Council anticipates that the reintroduction of plastic water bottles would result in an increase in water sales and a reduction in sports and soft drink sales.”
“As part of the reintroduction of plastic bottles back into facilities we’re promoting the Container Deposit Scheme, with the aim that most bottles will hopefully be recycled responsibly. Access to bottled water is important, especially when water fountains may be limited in some venues.”
Plastic water bottles will soon be available again at all Council facilities and events.