Government will consider legislation that could ban balloons and plastic bags as a way of reducing litter and protecting the environment.

And a master plan for Bermuda's fresh water supply will be created to tackle the annual shortage caused by summer droughts.

Premier Paula Cox's Throne Speech yesterday stressed the importance of the environment, listing several initiatives geared to help protect the Island's natural resources.

Legislation that would ban materials from being imported if they are thought to add to the Island's litter problem, was one such idea.

"Violations of the Waste and Litter Control Act, through improper setting out of waste, littering and illegal dumping is threatening the health of our nation and harming Bermuda's land and marine environment.

"Upon consultation with Bermuda's environmental non-governmental organisations, the Government will prohibit the importation and use of certain materials that are deemed to exacerbate the litter problem and will invoke the waste haulier licensing requirement in the act to combat illegal dumping."

According to the Public Works Department, these measures could include:

• banning the use of Mylar and any other balloons on the Islands of Bermuda;

• completely banning the use of plastic bags from use in retail, grocery, fast food and other industries;

• completely removing polystyrene packaging from use as a food storage medium in grocery stores, restaurants and other industries;

• replacing all take-out food packaging with environmentally degradable plastics that meet or exceed the American Society for Testing and Materials standards for biodegradation in the marine environment.

Both plastic bags and balloons have been blamed for the death of marine life, specifically turtles, who mistake them for jellyfish and consume them.

KBB executive director Anne Hyde said the announcement was absolutely fantastic.

"There is no point in using plastic containers for ten minutes and then throwing it away," she said. "And along with the balloons come miles of tangled ribbon, which do harm to marine life.

"Other nations have come to the decision of banning plastic bottles and bags, and Bermuda should join them."

Stuart Hayward of Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) also agreed with banning the materials, and praised Government's plan to include independent environmental groups.

"I imagine the non-governmental organisation community would welcome being consulted not just on prohibiting packaging, but also on a wide range of social, economic and environmental issues."

The Throne Speech also stated a Government plan to look at introducing new legislation aimed at protecting the Island's coral reefs.

"The environmental miracle of Bermuda's coral reefs must be preserved.

"During this session, the legislature will be invited to take note of a report entitled 'A Summary of the Economic Valuation of Bermuda's Coral Reefs', prepared by the Department of Conservation Services.

"The Government will lead the development of sustainable coral reef management, prioritising the passage of legislation specific to marine ecosystems."

The Premier also announced that the Government will develop a water supply and servicing master plan to evaluate the Island's water infrastructure and decide if a regulatory authority needs to be created.

Also mentioned in the Throne Speech is a campaign to encourage energy conservation among the Island's young people.

"Incentives promoting investment in an alternate, green energy source by homeowners and businesses will continue to be promoted."

Mr. Hayward said that while the speech did not touch on the major issue of Bermuda's limited capacity for cars, people and buildings, it seemed to acknowledge our dependence on a healthy land and ocean environment.

"We can only applaud and support that and trust that it indicates an awareness that is growing," he said.

"It will be good to instill a conservation mindset for energy use, however that concept needs to be expanded to encompass all resources."