Legislative Action

Australia: Manly the first council to veto bottled water

The Manly Daily. By Chelsea White -

MANLY Council has unanimously given the go-ahead to becoming the first council in Australia to take a stand against bottled water.

Mayor Peter Macdonald's bid to have bubblers dispense filtered and tap water on The Corso is designed to encourage people to buy refillable bottles to minimise waste.

There will also be a retailers' campaign about the benefits of not selling packaged water.

A report will be completed by the council with the Bottled Water Alliance, which includes Planet Ark, the Local Government and Shires Association and Brita water. The report is due back in six weeks.

Councillors have also backed a renaming of Queenscliff Bridge.

Depending on a Warringah Council decision and approval by the Geographical Names Board, Queenscliff Bridge will become the Stuart Somerville Bridge.

Late Manly resident Stuart Somerville founded the Queenscliff Swimming Club and held numerous volunteer positions.

Councillor Pat Daley said the change recognised not only Mr Somerville, but also every volunteer.

"Stuart Somerville epitomises everything that is good in the Manly community," Cr Daley said.

"Of course many other people have made a contribution, and this will act as recognition of them too.''