BUTT OUT!
By Charles
SMOKING is expected to be off limits at all Port Stephens Council outdoor facilities including sporting fields, beaches, swimming pools, parks and reserves by July 1 next year. Smokers will also be banned from lighting up in carparks with council Rangers given the powers to police the bans. The proposed smoking bans have received unanimous support from the Port’s five Sports Councils - Tomaree, Raymond Terrace, Medowie, Tilligerry and Rural West. Cr John Nell, an outspoken supporter of the ban, said the anti-smoking campaign had received widespread backing from sporting groups throughout the Port. "There is an acceptance in the community today that smoking, aside from its health issues, is not tolerated particularly around children," Cr Nell said. "The previous council supported a draft policy subject to consultation with local sporting groups. "Now that council has the overwhelming support of all five Sports Council it is a matter for the new council to adopt this policy." Council’s environmental services manager Bruce Petersen said the draft policy banning smoking from all council facilities was expected to go before the full council in the next two months. Both the Cancer Council and Heart Foundation have applauded Port Stephens Council for its initiative. Cancer Council’s Dana Buzinec, who gave presentations to each of the five Sports Councils, said the support for smoking bans was widespread. "This is a crucial step towards protecting the whole community from toxic second hand smoke. Hopefully, it will also benefit those trying to quit smoking." A recent Heart Foundation survey revealed that almost a third of NSW councils have now introduced outdoor smoking bans in certain areas.
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