Eurobodalla Council is reminding residents and visitors to butt it out in public places for World No Tobacco Day this week.
Smoking is banned state-wide in all enclosed public places, and some outdoors, to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke.
This includes within 10 metres of playgrounds, public swimming pools, sportsground spectator areas, public transport stops and taxi ranks and outdoor dining areas. Cautions and on the spot fines of $300 may apply for those who fail to comply with the law.
Council recently installed no-smoking signs at bus stops in Eurobodalla to remind people of the ban. Council is also working with sporting clubs and community groups to encourage them to promote it.
Council’s Divisional Manager Community and Recreation Development Kim Bush said Council was keen to help the community comply because there was no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
“Young children are particularly at risk because their airways are smaller and their immune systems are not fully developed,” she said.
“In adults second-hand smoke can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and other lung diseases. It can also worsen the effects of asthma and bronchitis.”
The Southern NSW Local Health District, which includes Eurobodalla, has the third-highest rate of smoking in NSW, with 18.5 per cent of the population continuing to smoke compared to 15 per cent in NSW.
Smoking causes around 200 deaths and 1,400 hospitalisations in the Local Health District each year.
World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31 May to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to its negative health effects.
To arrange signage or information brochures about smoking in your local area contact Council’s Coordinator Community Development and Youth Zoe Morgan on 02 4474 7470.
For advice and support with quitting smoking call the Quitline on 13 78 48, visit www.icanquit.com.au or speak with your health professional.
Above: Eurobodalla Council’s Coordinator Community Development and Youth Zoe Morgan, Hamish McConaghy, Raphi Herford and Southern NSW Local Health District health promotion officer Marcella Levey are reminding the community not to smoke in public areas for World No Tobacco Day. Media Release
