AS the third annual Bathurst Winter Festival moves towards its official opening, organisers are keen to see it be as sustainable as possible.
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The festival has attracted tens of thousands of people to the central business district the last two years and Bathurst Regional Council say the events produced a significant amount of waste.
Council environmental programs officer Alison Thompson said the the festival’s growth has prompted the move.
“The festival is growing year-on-year and one of the things that comes with that is the waste we make,” she said.
Ms Thompson said a number of initiatives at this year’s event will help festivalgoers do their bit.
Three separate types of bins will be available – one for green waste and compostables, a recycling bin and one for general waste.
“They will be really obvious for people about what should go in each bin,” Ms Thompson said.
The on-site coffee van located in the ice rink marquee will be using compostable takeaway cups as well as selling reusable cups.
“The Recycling Rover will also be handing out $20 Buy Local Gift Cards for people seen doing the right thing and recycling,” Ms Thompson said.
Council is also trialing a water refilling station that is also a bubbler. While past festivalgoers are also encourage to re-use last year’s plastic wine cup to save buying a new one.
Ms Thompson acknowledged “these are baby steps that we’re taking”, but she said they were steps in the right direction for the festival.
“This is an indication that council is on a bit of a journey to not only grow events, but make sure they’re more sustainable,” she said.