Call for a smoke free Queensland on World No Tobacco Day

May 26, 2010

Councils across Queensland have been urged to create smoke free cities and towns in the lead up to World No Tobacco Day this Monday May 31.

Cancer Council Queensland has written to Mayors statewide to request the regulation of smoking in public spaces, including malls, bus stops, ferry terminals, and taxi ranks.

CEO of Cancer Council Queensland, Professor Jeff Dunn, said Council action would dramatically improve Queensland’s liveability, encouraging tourism and economic productivity.

“Banning smoking in public places will not only help to improve community health and general productivity, it will also improve the appeal of our regions and promote increased use of public space for recreational and tourism purposes.

“Furthermore, a total ban will help reduce the costs of environmental damage from cigarette litter, raising Queensland’s reputation as a great location in which to live and holiday.”

Professor Dunn said local regulations would also help stop young people smoking.

“Evidence shows that the regulation of smoking in public places can help to reduce the prevalence of smoking and prevent tobacco related deaths in the future.

“Alarmingly, it is estimated that 32,000 Queensland school children aged 12 to 17 smoke weekly.

“A total ban on smoking in local malls and public spaces would send a strong message to discourage young people from smoking and help to reduce tobacco related illness and deaths in the longer term.”

Prof Dunn said he hoped to gain Council support to pave the way for the introduction of uniform statewide laws by the Queensland Government.

“Recent Federal and Queensland Government progress on tobacco control has been significant, but we need to take tougher action on tobacco control to save lives.

“Even small amounts of exposure to tobacco smoke can be harmful, particularly for children and adolescents.

“With the cooperation of Councils, we can create a smoke free Queensland and end the tragic toll of nearly 3,500 tobacco related deaths each year.”

For more information about World No Tobacco Day, visit the World Health Organization’s website.