Council's proposed smoke-free policy changes have hit public exhibition with the community encouraged to have their say about smoking in our shared spaces.
The recommended policy changes include:
- Extending the restriction on smoking in the Tamworth CBD to include the portion of Peel Street between Bourke Street and Darling Street.
- Implementing a smoke-free zone in Kootingal along Gate Street.
- Implementing a smoke-free zone in Nundle along Jenkins Street.
Tamworth Regional Council's Manager Compliance, Ross Briggs said that supporting the general health of our communities is a key consideration of Council's Blueprint 100 strategy, making the region more liveable.
"The policy aims to make our shared spaces clean, inviting and family-friendly. It's important to take into consideration the impact of second-hand smoke, particularly in places where children may be exposed. Everyone is encouraged to help monitor these regulations, however penalties of up to $110 can occur in certain circumstances."
Councillor Helen Tickle was involved in the adoption of the original policy in Tamworth, Manilla and Barraba in 2015.
"Council has seen a significant decrease in the use of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes in these zones, and it's been great to see these smoke-free zones embraced by those communities," she said.
"People understand that these changes aren't just about the smoking community, but about the health and comfort of the wider community as a whole. The policy's revision is another step forward to making our common places safe and healthy for all,"
At a recent Council meeting on June 28, the decision was made to include Gate Street, Kootingal and Jenkins Street, Nundle despite community survey results in those regions revealing over 60% of residents did not wish to have their main streets included.
"It was felt that further consultation with the wider community would be beneficial as most of the concerns raised in the survey centred around a perceived impact on of the patrons of the hotels in Nundle and Kootingal. The community are assured that both areas would not be impacted by the adoption of this policy, as these are off-street locations managed by the hotels," Mr Briggs explained.
The proposed policy changes will be on public exhibition from now until Monday 22 August, with all members of the community invited to have their say in person, via email or via the MyTRC Online Community.
Feedback received will be compiled alongside that which was collected earlier this year from the Nundle and Kootingal communities. All feedback will be made available to Council for consideration.
