By Vanessa Chircop
HOBSONS Bay City Council could be the first municipality in Victoria to ban smoking outside schools, kindergartens and hospitals.
Star can confirm Cr Luba Grigorovitch will call on the council’s officers to formulate a report on the feasibility of this ban in Hobsons Bay.
The report will follow a council decision last week to ban smoking on beaches and children’s playgrounds throughout the city.
Cr Grigorovitch, who originally brought the motion to the council, said she was proud that Hobsons Bay was leading the way in the West by amending its local law.
“It’s not just about children, it’s about the entire community,” she said.
The council gave public notice of their intent to ban smoking in May this year, during this time they only received one objection to the proposal.
Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan also supported the ban.
“Smoking is a very substantial public health issue,” he said.
“I applaud the Hobsons Bay City Council for their willingness to the lead the way on this issue.”
This decision follows that of other Victorian councils including Frankston City Council and the City of Port Phillip.
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has also jumped on the no-smoking bandwagon calling on the State Government for a statewide framework for smoking in outdoor public places, including bans in alfresco dining areas and children’s playgrounds.
One Hobsons Bay resident John Sagona told Star he would welcome further bans to smoking in Hobsons Bay.
Mr Sagona said he would like to see smoking banned in not just outdoor dining areas but outdoor shopping precincts such as Pier St.
“I think the council should look at this very seriously,” he said.
“While they are concerned for kids health there are other people concerned by this – it’s very intrusive.”
Mr Sagona also raised concerns about the number of cigarette butts on the streets of Hobsons Bay and said further bans would help alleviate this problem.
The ban will be introduced on 1 November and could see offenders whacked with a $200 on the spot fine.
