By Vanessa Chircop
SMOKING on beaches and playgrounds in Hobsons Bay could soon result in an on-the-spot $100 fine.
Last week the council moved to ban smoking in designated outdoor areas within the municipality following the lead of other Victorian council’s including Frankston City Council and The City of Port Phillip.
Councillor Luba Grigorovitch, who brought the motion to the council, said she was very pleased the motion was passed.
“It is something that I am very passionate about,” she said.
“Not only will a ban improve the health and wellbeing of our community, but it will also ease the problem of litter from cigarette butts.
“I look forward to community consultation before this local law is put in place.”
Director Business and Finance Glenn O’Sullivan said implementing the smoking ban would take several weeks.
“Council must give public notice of its intention to amend a local law, prepare a community impact statement and consider any submissions,” he said.
Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan MP wrote to the council last month offering his support for the proposed ban.
Mr Noonan highlighted research that shows children exposed to second-hand smoke are at increased risk of premature death and disease, as well as reduced lung function, severe asthma, and increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections.
“Any worthy measure that helps to reduce the incidence of second hand smoke exposure to children or young people should be seriously considered, including potential bans at local playgrounds and at our popular family friendly local beaches,” he said.
Cr Angela Altair told the council she thought it unlikely they would get any dissent about the motion particularly in regards to the ban at children’s playgrounds.
“I look forward to us being able to discover that there has been no objection to the draft proposal and we can go ahead and enact the law – particularly the beach side in time for next summer,” she said.
Some concerns were raised about freedom of choice, but despite some councillors being smokers the motion was passed unanimously for the ban to be enforced pending public consultation.
