Smoke-free parks a breath of fresh air

Published on 15 October 2019

Hobart is today a step closer to becoming a smoke-free city, with three new smoke-free areas providing a breath of fresh air.

Building on the already strong actions taken to protect residents from exposure to tobacco smoke, the City of Hobart has declared three new smoke-free areas in preparation for smoke-free Hobart in 2020.

From today, Franklin Square, Legacy Park and University Rose Garden are designated smoke-free areas.

“Tasmania is widely known for its clean air, but smoking rates remain high among Tasmanians,” Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said. “We need to work together to reduce smoking in our community to ensure the health of Hobartians for years to come.”

“Many public places in Hobart, including sportsgrounds and playgrounds, outdoor dining areas and car parks, are already smoke-free. Introducing these three new areas is a continuation of the City’s smoke-free policy to encourage residents and guests to make healthy choices so that everyone could enjoy a breath of fresh air.”

The City of Hobart has recently resolved to make the Hobart CBD smoke-free from April 2020. The designated borders of the declared areas are Collins, Liverpool, Murray and Campbell streets.

“Even brief periods of contact with cigarette smoke can bring about a variety of negative health effects,” Cr Burnet said. “Limiting exposure to a smoking environment will help reduce the harms from smoking.”

Smoke-free areas in Hobart are indicated by bright blue signage and No Smoking signs. Smoking of herbal cigarettes, e-cigarettes (vaping) and tobacco is prohibited in those areas.

Cr Burnet said education and awareness would be the primary focus of a Tobacco Project Officer working in the city.

“It’s about informing people of the smoke-free areas and why they exist,” she said. “We are also making information and support available to people who want to give up smoking.

“We have the ability to fine people who don’t comply with the smoke-free areas, but that’s not our aim. We want to support people to reduce their smoking and help them contribute to a cleaner, healthier Hobart for residents and visitors.

Under the Public Health Act 1997, the current penalty for smoking in a smoke-free area is $338.

For more information on smoke-free areas in Hobart, visit hobartcity.com.au/smokefree.