Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown) (13:11): I am delighted to contribute to debate on the Protection of the Environment Operations Amendment (Balloons) Bill 2024. I acknowledge the member for Balmain for bringing the bill before the House today and providing us with the opportunity to talk about the protection of our environment, which is special to most of us this place. I acknowledge the commitment of the member for Balmain to and passion for this issue. While we do not support the bill, that is not a reflection on the member for Balmain; it is a reflection on the work that is already underway, as I am advised by the Minister's office. It is important for me to acknowledge that and the member for Balmain. As stated by my colleague the member for Auburn, Minister Sharpe has done a lot of work on this matter. She has had an enduring passion over many years for the protection of the environment. She has led the charge on many environmental issues, particularly plastic bags. I give her credit for that passion.

It is important to note that the Government is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of unnecessary and problematic plastics. Steps have been put in place already because we know that plastics harm the environment in many ways. They harm habitats, particularly in waterways, on the seaside and in the ocean. In my electorate I am about 40 minutes from the ocean via Appin Road, but we have the Nepean River and the Georges River. Around those river inlets are very important species of wildlife, including our koalas, which we cherish and love so dearly in Campbelltown, as the member for Balmain knows.

I acknowledge our local Greens member, who is also active in this space. Young Jayden is giving it a good crack and doing a great job as an advocate for The Greens. Not much further south is platypus habitat. I am aware of the importance of environmental protections against plastics and anything that can harm the environment and, by extension, our valued wildlife. If we do not take action now, the environment will be destroyed for the future and forever. When it comes to environmental protection and preservation, we must learn from the past. While we must not focus on the rear-view mirror, we must glimpse back to see what we did in years gone by to help make changes for the future. If we do not make changes, then my children and my grandchildren and so on will not be able to enjoy the good lifestyle that we have been able to enjoy. That is the most important thing to note.

It is vital to find a balance between environmental protection and population growth, which my electorate has been experiencing for some years and will continue to experience for many years to come. The preservation of environment and habitat must be as much of a priority as private sector profits from homes built in green space areas. With the indulgence of the House, I note that I am a massive supporter of urban development and density around train stations in Campbelltown. Building homes near train stations means we do not have to bulldoze trees and green space. That is the reality. That is the position of Campbelltown City Council, which is fortunately unanimous. The Greens have championed that agenda in Campbelltown and the south-west. I commend The Greens and appreciate their support for many of my positions on urban development over the years.

I am advised that the Government has already started a comprehensive and systemic process to address unnecessary or problem plastics. That is set out in theNSW Plastics: Next Steps paper, which includes a proposal to phase out any number of lighter-than-air balloon releases as well as plastic balloon accessory items that are often littered, such as sticks, clips and ties. On 29 October last year the New South Wales Government released theNSW Plastics: Next Steps paper for a 14-week public consultation. I am advised that the Environment Protection Authority is currently reviewing the feedback received on the paper and has been working closely with stakeholders to help inform the Government and council on the next steps and way forward, which will, ultimately, address the matters in the bill before the House.

I am advised that Minister Sharpe has met with the member for Balmain to discuss these and other related matters, and is working closely with her. That is not only essential but also a really positive step. I thank Minister Sharpe. All of our Ministers are wonderful and engaging, but I cannot speak highly enough of Minister Sharpe and her work on the environment in my electorate, including the establishment of the Georges River Koala National Park, an investment of a quarter of a million dollars. But we know that into the future that will not be enough and we need to do more. We do not have a tick-and-flick approach to environmental sustainability or the Government's policies and positions. We must keep our foot on the accelerator, remain focused and keep our eye on the end prize, which is ultimately to find the balance between urban population growth and protecting our environment.

Everything increases with the increasing rate of urban population growth. It is not only the number of houses that increase with more people but also an increase in waste. The private sector, in cooperation with the Government, is examining some good innovations at the moment, and I truly welcome that. I have never claimed to be an expert on the solutions for environmental preservation and I have not always been able to implement everything that I have wanted to, either. But I always do my best with what I have at hand. I engage with my community, talk to stakeholders, take advice from experts and follow through with any actions I can take as an appropriate representative for the pursuit of environmental preservation.

I am also advised that the Government and the Minister are carefully considering the impacts of any proposed action on the environment, communities and businesses, and finding the balance when tackling the problem around plastics. That includes balloons and all other associated matter that comes with balloon usage. The reality is kids love their balloons, and we see them at parties and other places. We need to take a sensible approach and find a solution that provides a balance. It is an issue that we need to address, and the Government is taking appropriate steps.

I am also advised that in the period to 2019 government prevention programs contributed to a 43 per cent reduction in litter volumes. Obviously, that was before the time of this Government and was the result of work done by the previous Government. But environmental preservation and waste management is a major priority for Minister Sharpe and for the Government as a whole. Again I thank the member for Balmain for bringing the matter to the House for discussion and debate. It is important that we keep environmental protection matters on the agenda, and I respect the passion that the member has for the issue. I thank the House.