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Port Stephens Council congratulated on stubbing-out smoking blight in outdoor areas - Media ReleaseLast modified: August 4, 2008 - 3:20 PM
Cancer Council and the Heart Foundation have applauded Port Stephens Council for announcing its intention to seek a smoking ban across a range of local outdoor areas. Council has asked staff to prepare a report on a proposed ban on smoking in children’s playgrounds, alfresco dining areas and beaches, as well as parks and reserves. The ban will also cover sporting fields and venues following consultation with local clubs. It will be introduced in stages beginning with playgrounds. Dana Buzinec, Regional Programs Coordinator at Cancer Council’s Hunter Region office said: “Cancer Council commends Port Stephens Council for taking this crucial step towards protecting kids, parents and the whole community from toxic second hand smoke.” “The move will promote a cleaner and safer environment at an exciting time when the whole of NSW is set to benefit from the new tobacco legislation reforms. It will also benefit those trying to quit smoking, as research shows that 54 per cent are triggered to relapse after seeing somebody with a cigarette.” A recent Heart Foundation survey revealed that almost a third of NSW councils have now introduced outdoor smoking bans in certain areas. “The rise in councils adopting outdoor smoking bans is a pleasing trend and we urge the remaining NSW councils to follow in the footsteps of Port Stephens Council and take positive action to improve the heart health of its residents,” said Tony Thirlwell, Heart Foundation CEO – NSW. In NSW smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable deaths, which can lead to life threatening health problems including heart disease, cancer and asthma. Emerging evidence suggests smoking also affects air quality in outdoor locations where people congregate as much as it does in indoor areas. In the Hunter Region, Cancer Council NSW and the Heart Foundation have been urging all Hunter councils to pursue smoke-free policies in outdoor areas. Port Stephens Council along with Newcastle City Council, which adopted further smoke-free outdoor area polices last December, are leading the way in the Hunter Region. Port Stephen’s Council developed its policy using Smoke-Free Outdoor Areas – A Resource Kit For Local Government. Cancer Council, Heart Foundation, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and Australian Medical Association NSW developed the kit with support from The Local Government Shires Association of NSW.
To access the kit online go to www.smokefreecouncils.com.au/Smoke Free Outdoor Areas Resource Kit for Local Government.pdf Contact details |
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© 2008 Port Stephens Council |
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