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“
and ASH Australia)
Leading
health organisations have welcomed a resolution by the Local
Government Association of NSW encouraging councils to extend smokefree
outdoor areas in the interests of the community. The
Heart Foundation, Cancer Council NSW, AMA NSW and ASH Australia have
urged councils to follow the recommendation made at the LGA conference
in Coffs Harbour today (October 22)
for councils to pursue smoke-free policies in areas including: ·
playgrounds
and playing fields; ·
al
fresco
dining areas on public land; and ·
council-controlled
beaches and waterways. The
motion was moved by Manly Council, whose experience of smokefree
outdoor areas policies has been positive. Says Manly Councillor
Barbara Aird: “Already
30 councils across NSW have introduced smoke-free outdoor areas as a
result of changing community attitudes towards smoking. *
“These
policies deliver improved health and a cleaner environment with less
cigarette butts. In our experience the public – and especially
employees currently in smoky workplaces - appreciate being exposed to
less cigarette smoke, with most smokers cooperating in areas where
bans apply.” The
peak health groups agree. “Today marks another anti-smoking
milestone in NSW,” says Tony Thirlwell, Chief Executive Officer of
the Heart Foundation NSW. “The Heart Foundation encourages all NSW
Councils to consider adopting these recommendations to create cleaner,
healthier and fresher communities in NSW.” Manly
Council’s motion has also received strong support from the NSW
public. A Cancer Council NSW survey found widespread support for
outdoor smoking bans, with 92% supporting bans in children’s
playgrounds, 85% outside workplace entrances, 80% in sports stadiums
and 69% in outdoor dining areas. Says
Anita Tang, Director of Health Strategies at The Cancer Council NSW:
“The NSW public is behind this issue - a surprise finding was that
these bans are even supported by many smokers, who know that it will
make it easier to quit and stay quit.” *
See latest chart of NSW council actions at
www.ashaust.org.au/lv4/OutdoorNSWccls.doc For
further information:
Karen Kalpage, The Cancer Council NSW
m. 0411-408-647
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Page last updated 22/10/07 |
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