The timeframe for the introduction of Queensland’s container refund scheme has been extended.
The scheme will now be introduced on 1 November, 2018, to ensure the program is "sustainable from the outset", Australian Beverages Council CEO Geoff Parker said.
The refund scheme will mean most drink containers between 150 millilitres and three litres are eligible for a 10-cent refund.
Stakeholders from government and industry have expressed a desire for the scheme to have support from all sectors of the community from the moment it is launched.
‘We thank the Queensland Government for having the insight to listen to stakeholders and, in particular the beverage industry, about our legitimate concerns," Parker said.
"It's a shame other governments have not exercised the wisdom shown by Queensland."
Parker said deferring the start date would ensure a solid platform, unlike other jurisdictions who are still struggling to repair dysfunctional operations.
A not-for-profit organisation, Container Exchange (CoEx), has been appointed as the Product Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to administer and run the container refund scheme on behalf of the Queensland Government.
