By VANESSA CHIRCOP AND XAVIER SMERDON
SMOKING in some outdoor areas could soon be a thing of the past in Wyndham with the council stating they support the Municipal Association of Victoria’s push to ban smoking at playgrounds and outdoor public places.
A Council spokesperson told Star last week that the council would support the motion to make alfresco dining areas, playgrounds and other areas smoke-free.
It comes as Hobsons Bay City Council looked likely to be the first municipality in Victoria to ban smoking outside schools, kindergartens and hospitals.
Star can confirm Hobsons Bay councillor Luba Grigorovitch will call on the council’s officers to formulate a report on the feasibility of extending the ban.
It follows Hobsons Bay’s 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.
