After years spent promoting the anti-smoking message against the opposition of big tobacco it appears that the practice of cigarette smoking is now well and truly on the downturn and in retreat. And, it would appear, not before time if the horror ads seen on TV vividly showing the effects of smoking and lung cancer are anything to go by.

So, with all that in mind it is pleasing to announce that the Weddin Shire Council at its December meeting has advanced the Anti-Smoking crusade by voting to request the NSW Government to introduce and enforce legislation that uniformly prohibits smoking in the following locations:

(i) Within 10 metres of children’s playgrounds

(ii) Within 10 metres of sporting fileds

(iii) In all outdoor dining areas on public land

(iv) In covered bus shelters and taxi ranks

(v) In reserves

Council voted to support a campaign for the introduction of the abovementioned bans by, among other things:

(a) Writing to the local MP, Minister for local government and The Premier of NSW alerting them to the Council’s desire for the legislation and requesting they take positive steps for the introduction of the above measures.

(b) Publicize the proposed measures to the community through all of Council’s available resources

(c) Advising the Cancer Council of NSW of the Shire Council’s actions.

The December Council meeting was told that the NSW Cancer Council had recently requested all Councils support their current campaign called “Clean the Air – Why Wouldn’t You?”

This new Council initiative falls in to line with other Councils in NSW and in fact the Local Government and Shires Association has confirmed its support by calling on the state government to enact much-needed legislation for the benefit of all communities. This action is indeed further confirmation of the widespread community support for this type of legislation to back up measures already taken in some areas.