Local parks, children’s playgrounds, outdoor sporting facilities, skate parks and swimming pools have been declared smoke free thanks to a new policy adopted by Wollongong City Council tonight.
The Smoke Free Policy was developed in consultation with key health organisations and members of the community in an effort to reduce the negative impact of smoking on the city’s social and environmental wellbeing.
Administrator Richard Colley said the Smoke Free Policy (recreation areas) is just one of the ways Council is committed to encouraging a healthier and a more attractive city.
“There is substantial evidence linking exposure to second-hand smoke with a range of health impacts, including heart disease, cancer, and increased risk of asthma and acute respiratory infections in children,” Mr Colley said.
“Cigarettes also have a negative effect on the local environment and often end up in our stormwater drains and on our local beaches.”
“Council has an important role to protect the local environment, and the health and wellbeing of residents. When the risk involves children using Council’s sporting facilities, this obligation is increased,” Administrator Colley said.
“A draft version of the Smoke Free policy was placed on public exhibition in August and attracted 17 submissions in support of Council’s decision to ban smoking in local recreation areas.”
“As part of the exhibition period some residents raised concerns about definitions, and as a result the policy was updated to specify that Council’s outdoor sporting facilities and skate parks would be included in the smoke free areas,” Richard Colley added.
Signage will be rolled out across the city advising people not to smoke within 10 metres of Council playgrounds, around and within all outdoor sporting fields and facilities, skateparks and in Council’s Leisure Centres and swimming pools.
The final Smoke Free Policy is now available on Council’s website at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au. An information pack will also be sent to all local sporting associations, advising them of the new rules.