Wildlife ‘win’ with helium balloon ban
ENVIRONMENTAL groups across the Mornington Peninsula are applauding the state government’s ban on releasing helium balloons into the environment.
Environment Protection Authority laws introduced last week make it illegal to deliberately release balloons in Victoria, with a fine of almost $1000 for those caught doing so.
The laws have been put in place to help protect wildlife and prevent environmental damage.
Zoos Victoria conservation campaigner Darcie Carruthers said the balloons “popped eventually and often landed in waterways where they’re eaten by fish or other wildlife”.
He said released helium balloons come back to earth as litter and threaten wildlife. “Turtles, shearwaters, albatross, platypus as well as farm animals are known to die from mistaking balloons as food, becoming entangled in the ribbons which prevents movement, flight and feeding, or choking on the plastic clips.”