Smoke-free footpath proposal

Smoke-free footpath proposal

Footpaths surrounding RMIT and City Baths could become the city’s next smoke-free zone.

In a first for the City of Melbourne, the council will consider making major pedestrian thoroughfares smoke-free, pending findings from community consultation.

New proposed smoke-free areas would include footpaths along sections of Swanston, Franklin, Victoria, Cardigan, Earl, Lygon, Russell and La Trobe streets. Community engagement on the proposal started on Monday, July 18.

People can have their say about the proposal until Friday, August 19 at participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au

The council has already made nine areas in the central city smoke-free. These include The Causeway, Howey Place, Block Place, Equitable Place, Goldsbrough Lane, QV Melbourne, City Square and more recently, the popular Tan and Princes Park running tracks.

Cr Richard Foster, chair of council’s People City portfolio, said introducing smoke-free areas created healthier environments for city residents, workers, students and visitors.

“Expanding smoke-free areas is a priority in Council’s four-year plan and the public is overwhelmingly supportive. In previous consultations, around 85 per cent of respondents were in favour of introducing more smoke-free zones. Our approach helps to de-normalise smoking and support people who are trying to quit, or have recently quit,” Cr Foster said.

Since Labor has been in power …

Since Labor has been in power …

March 20th, 2024 - Evan Mulholland
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