Content on the reduction of single-use plastic bags will be incorporated into the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s waste education program.

The council will also write to the Port Macquarie and Oxley MPs requesting the state government’s stance on the future use of single-use plastic bags in NSW.

A councillor briefing will address use reduction options, new recycling technology and community education programs.

It follows Ban the Bag Port Macquarie’s approach to the council.

Campaigners presented a petition to the July 19 council meeting.

The petition garnered 3500 signatures in six weeks.

Student Niamh de Groot addressed the meeting with Amelia Humphreys by her side.

“The response to the campaign has been overwhelmingly positive,” Niamh said.

Niamh said people had a better understanding of the negative environmental impacts of these bags and the damage they inflicted to many marine species.

“There is growing interest in finding alternatives to plastic bags and in reducing, reusing and recycling solutions,” she said.

A council report said NSW councils did not have a statutory power to implement a local ban on plastic bags.

Deputy mayor Cr Lisa Intemann congratulated the campaigners and said education was a very important aspect of the issue.

Cr Mike Cusato said it was not the council’s role to ban the bag but he would like to move forward with the state government and find their response.

Cr Rob Turner congratulated the community for coming together in such a powerful and cohesive way.

The campaign called on the council to act to ensure retailers did not provide single-use non-biodegradable plastic bags. It also wanted the council to develop educational material.

Spokeswoman Maria Doherty said she was appreciative of the council’s advocacy, and given the circumstances, supporters were happy with the results.