Council to canvass

The policy would benefit people who attend council-owned and managed facilities by reducing the harmful effects of passive smoke.

At a recent meeting, councillors resolved to advertise a draft policy for the proposal.

The Shire’s principal environmental health officer received three responses from councillors to the draft proposal.

There was general support from two, while another councillor opposed the provision of smoking areas on council property, as ‘they would only encourage smokers to carry on polluting the general area where the public gather for recreation’.

Existing legislation, including the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 and the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2006, is focussed on eliminating smoking in indoor areas.

Council staff stated existing legislation and its own policy did not provide enough control of smoking in outdoor public places.

The Shire will also canvas the opinion of club managers and patrons, as well as residents, before making a decision.