Bega Valley Shire Council launched its ‘Outdoor Smoke Free’ initiative on Wednesday, September 1.

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Tony Allen informed guests at the launch that signs informing people of what locations were smoke free would initially be erected around playground areas and outdoor dining locations.

Smoke-free signage at all other areas would be erected as part of a signage upgrade in those areas.

“Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death, killing more than 15,000 Australians a year,” Cr Allen said.

“Recent studies identified by the Heart Foundation showed that a person’s exposure to second-hand smoke can be just as high outside as it is indoors.

“Outdoor smoking restrictions are becoming more common nationally and internationally.

“Advice from other councils and following an extensive public consultation period here, there is strong community interest in the provision of smoke-free outdoor areas such as playgrounds, sporting fields, beaches and al fresco dining areas.”

Across NSW more than 50 per cent of local councils have introduced outdoor smoke-free policies in their local communities.

“It is important for the community to recognise that the policy is focused on educating the community about the harmful effects of second hand tobacco smoke and reducing cigarette butt litter and not focused on enforcement,” Cr Allen said.

The Outdoor Smoke-Free Playgrounds initiative is a joint project supported by Bega Valley Shire Council, NSW Health, Cancer Council NSW, The Heart Foundation and the Southern General Practice Network.

The Heart Foundation congratulated council for its outdoor smoke-free policy.

“There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke so we congratulate Bega Valley Shire Council for introducing policy that improves the community’s heart health,” said Tony Thirlwell, Heart Foundation CEO NSW.

“Bega Valley residents can now enjoy a meal outside their favourite restaurant, or take a trip to the playground without inhaling a cloud of toxic fumes.”

People are prevented from smoking within 10 metres of playgrounds on all parks and reserves, all sports grounds and facilities excluding designated car park areas, council events and any outdoor event on council land such as markets, a number of beaches and enclosed swimming areas, within 10 metres of entrances to council owned or managed buildings and Al fresco dining areas.