The Rocks to be a plastic-bag-free zone

The Rocks could become one of the first plastic bag-free zones in Sydney, with more than 70 businesses trading their plastic bags for paper this weekend.

Planning Minister Frank Sartor announced the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) will distribute more than 45,000 paper bags to retailers as part of a trial.

Businesses to participate in the trial include take-away outlets, clothing boutiques, galleries and gift shops in The Rocks and stalls at The Rocks Market.

"Around five billion plastic bags are used each year around Australia and The Rocks shopkeepers are to be congratulated for trying this plastic ban," Sartor said.

"These bags can take up to 1000 years to break down in the environment and they kill thousands of marine mammals and seabirds each year."

The initiative builds on The Rocks' reputation as a green precinct, with a number of buildings already switching to 100% renewable energy and energy-efficient lights already fitted along stairs and laneways.

Also, recycled content paper bags have been used by the Sydney Visitor Centre, in the heart of The Rocks, since November 2006.

"The Iemma government strongly supports this latest initiative to reduce the number of plastic bags in use around our stunning harbour. When this free trial finishes, shop-owners can purchase the recycled content paper bags through the Sydney Visitor Centre," Sartor said.