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Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 2
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areasA 2011 survey of NSW councils
1 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
While most of the evidence relates to indoor exposure, there is emerging evidence on how smoking affects air quality in outdoor locations such as alfresco cafes and playgrounds. A recent study which measured cigarette smoke levels in a variety of outdoor locations showed that a person sitting near a smoker in an outdoor area could be exposed to levels of cigarette smoke similar to the exposure of someone sitting in an indoor pub or club. Therefore, the second-hand smoke in outdoor areas where people tend to congregate, including alfresco dining areas, sports stadiums and concert venues, can present a real health risk to the public and staff. There is also evidence to suggest that smoke-free areas support smokers who are trying to quit as well as reduce their overall cigarette consumption.
Community interest in the provision of smoke-free outdoor areas such as playgrounds, sporting fields and alfresco dining areas is growing. To assist local councils in developing their own smoke-free outdoor areas policy, the Heart Foundation, The Cancer Council NSW, the Australian Medical Association NSW, the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW and Action on Smoking and Health Australia have developed a resource kit including a CD-ROM of signage templates for Local Government outlining in clear detail the steps required to present before Council a motion to make Council owned outdoor areas progressively smoke-free.
This report outlines the NSW councils which have introduced smoke-free outdoor areas policy and the areas the policy covers.
Introduction
Smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death in Australia, killing more than 15,000 Australians a year. There is substantial evidence linking exposure to second-hand smoke with a range of serious and life threatening health impacts including heart disease, cancer, asthma and other respiratory problems. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at an increased risk of asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections and ear problems.
Contents1 Introduction
2 Methodology
2 Results
12 Resource kit
13 Barriers to introducing or expanding policy
14 Alfresco dining
15 Conclusion
15 Appendix
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 2
Heart Foundation staff contacted each council by phone. Research was conducted in order to identify the most appropriate person to speak to if the contact person from previous surveys was no longer the correct contact.
An introductory script and set of questions (Appendix A) was provided to ensure a consistent approach was taken and results were immediately logged in a spreadsheet.
This report includes all councils that had formally approved a policy by 30 June 2011. Cases where policy has not yet been implemented have been highlighted.
1 MorethanhalfofNSWcouncilshavesmoke-freepolicy
As of 30 June 2011, 59% of all NSW Councils had adopted some form of smoke-free outdoor areas policy. Of the 152 councils in NSW, 89 now have policy, compared to 76 in 2010, 58 in 2009 and 28 in 2007.
2 Mostcommonoutdoorareaswithsmoke-freepolicy
Of the 89 councils with smoke-free policy, 88 (99%) cover children’s playgrounds, making this the most common smoke-free area. There are 69 councils (78%) with policy to cover sporting fields, 51 (57%) cover pools and 43 (48%) have made areas within a certain distance of council buildings smoke-free. Alfresco dining areas are now smoke-free in 30 councils, up from 22 in 2010 and 21 in 2009, which represents a 233% increase in the past 2 years.
3 Regional/metropolitansplit
There are now 52 regional councils with smoke-free policy in NSW compared to 37 metropolitan councils. However in relative terms the take up of smoke-free policy is much higher in the Sydney metropolitan area. Of the total number of metropolitan councils, 86% have smoke-free policy compared to almost half (48%) of the 109 regional councils. The number of regional councils with policy has increased almost fivefold in the last four years.
4 Tables
The following tables provide more detailed information:
Table1: Details of smoke-free policy by council
Table2: Comparison of metropolitan and regional/ rural councils
Table3: Take-up of smoke-free policy since 2007 across all councils
Methodology
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas – A 2011 survey of NSW councils
Results
To monitor the implementation and progress of smoke-free policies, the Heart Foundation conducted a survey of all 152 councils across NSW between April and June 2011. Similar surveys were carried out in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
3 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
Arm
idal
e D
umar
esq
Cou
ncil
✓✓
Ash
field
Mun
icip
al C
ounc
il ✓
✓
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urn
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
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ksto
wn
City
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ncil
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Bat
hurs
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iona
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alle
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ire
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linge
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ire
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ckto
wn
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nd S
hire
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e M
ount
ains
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an S
hire
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rke
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e C
ounc
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ken
Hill
City
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woo
d C
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il ✓
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den
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ncil
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✓✓
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ran
ks
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ada
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Cou
ncil,
City
of
✓✓
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terb
ury
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ncil
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✓
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snoc
k C
ity C
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renc
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arbo
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undsSports
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inin
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s
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rsW
ithin
10m
of
council
build
ings
Council eve
nts Oth
er
Add
ition
al p
olic
y in
last
12
mon
ths
or n
ew c
ounc
il
Tabl
e 1
– D
etai
ls o
f sm
oke-
free
pol
icy
by c
ounc
il
Smo
ke-f
ree
po
licy
incl
ud
es:
Co
un
cil
1. 1
3 po
pula
r oc
ean
and
encl
osed
bea
ches
. 2.
With
in 1
5m o
f pat
rolle
d ar
eas.
3. W
ithin
15m
. 4.
Sm
oke
free
inte
rnat
iona
l sta
dium
. 5.
Som
e ev
ents
.
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 4
Coo
nam
ble
Shir
e C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
1
Coo
tam
undr
a Sh
ire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
G
rand
stan
d
Den
iliqu
in C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓ 2
Dub
bo C
ity C
ounc
il✓
✓
Euro
boda
lla S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓Te
nnis
cou
rts
Fair
field
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓
Gle
n In
nes
Seve
rn C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓
✓
Glo
uces
ter
Shir
e C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
Rec
reat
ion
cent
re
Gos
ford
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
Gou
lbur
n M
ulw
aree
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
Gre
ater
Tar
ee C
ity C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
Cov
ered
taxi
ran
ks
Gre
at L
akes
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
3✓
4W
ithin
10m
of B
BQ
and
pic
nic
furn
iture
Gun
neda
h Sh
ire
Cou
ncil
✓
Guy
ra S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
Com
mun
ity h
all,
civi
c ce
ntre
, all
coun
cil v
enue
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Haw
kesb
ury
City
Cou
ncil
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✓✓
✓
Hay
Shi
re C
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il✓
Gro
unds
aro
und
Tour
ist I
nfor
mat
ion
Are
a
Hill
s Sh
ire
Cou
ncil,
The
✓✓
✓✓
Hol
royd
City
Cou
ncil
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✓✓
Hor
nsby
, The
Cou
ncil
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ire o
f✓
✓✓
✓✓
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✓✓
Mal
ls, t
axi r
anks
Hur
stvi
lle C
ity C
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il ✓
Playgro
undsSports
field
sAlfr
esco d
inin
g Beaches
Park
s
Recreati
on areas Rese
rves
Pools
Bus shelte
rsW
ithin
10m
of
council
build
ings
Council eve
nts Oth
er
Add
ition
al p
olic
y in
last
12
mon
ths
or n
ew c
ounc
il
Tabl
e 1
– D
etai
ls o
f sm
oke-
free
pol
icy
by c
ounc
il (c
ontin
ued)
Smo
ke-f
ree
po
licy
incl
ud
es:
Co
un
cil
1. S
kate
par
ks.
2. W
ithin
5m
. 3.
With
in 1
0m o
f pat
rolle
d ar
eas.
4. W
ithin
10m
of r
ock
pool
s, la
ke a
nd o
cean
bat
hs a
nd a
djac
ent c
ongr
egat
ion
area
s.
5 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
Kem
psey
Shi
re C
ounc
il✓
Net
ball
cour
ts, B
BQ
are
as
Kia
ma,
The
Cou
ncil
of th
e M
unic
ipal
ity o
f✓
✓✓
✓ 1
Publ
ic e
vent
s (e
.g. a
nnua
l sho
w)
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rah
City
Cou
ncil
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✓✓
✓ 2
✓✓
✓✓
Cou
ncil
car
park
s
Ku-r
ing-
gai C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓Ta
xi r
anks
Lach
lan
Shir
e C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
✓✓
Lake
Mac
quar
ie C
ity C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓
Lane
Cov
e M
unic
ipal
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
Cou
ncil
owne
d ar
cade
s an
d La
ne C
ove
Plaz
a,
all f
ores
hore
are
as
Leet
on S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
Leic
hhar
dt M
unic
ipal
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
Lism
ore
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
Live
rpoo
l City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
Live
rpoo
l Pla
ins
Shir
e C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓
Mai
tland
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓ 3
With
in 1
0m o
f Mai
tland
Hos
pita
l ent
ranc
es
Man
ly C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓En
clos
ed c
ar p
arks
, with
in 1
0m o
f ho
spita
l ent
ranc
es
Mar
rick
ville
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓
Mid
-Wes
tern
Reg
iona
l✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓C
over
ed ta
xi r
anks
Mos
man
Mun
icip
al C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
Cou
ncil
car
park
s
Nam
bucc
a Sh
ire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
With
in 5
0m o
f lic
ense
d pr
emis
es o
n
publ
ic fo
otpa
th
New
cast
le C
ity C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
Playgro
undsSports
field
sAlfr
esco d
inin
g Beaches
Park
s
Recreati
on areas Rese
rves
Pools
Bus shelte
rsW
ithin
10m
of
council
build
ings
Council eve
nts Oth
er
Add
ition
al p
olic
y in
last
12
mon
ths
or n
ew c
ounc
il
Tabl
e 1
– D
etai
ls o
f sm
oke-
free
pol
icy
by c
ounc
il (c
ontin
ued)
Smo
ke-f
ree
po
licy
incl
ud
es:
Co
un
cil
1. R
ock
pool
s. 2
. Bay
s an
d fo
resh
ore
rese
rves
. 3.
1st
July
201
1.
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 6
Ora
nge
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
Entr
ance
s to
cen
tral
bus
ines
s di
stri
ct m
ajor
sh
oppi
ng c
entr
es. A
ll en
tran
ces
to O
rang
e B
ase
Hos
pita
l Pre
cinc
t. B
us s
tops
in C
BD
, Pos
t offi
ce
Lane
(maj
or p
edes
tria
n th
orou
ghfa
re).
Penr
ith C
ity C
ounc
il ✓
✓
Parr
amat
ta C
ity C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
Pittw
ater
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓
Port
Ste
phen
s C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
Ran
dwic
k C
ity C
ounc
il✓
✓
Ric
hmon
d V
alle
y C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
With
in 7
0m o
f lic
ense
d pr
emis
es, w
ithin
10m
of
BB
Qs,
aer
odro
mes
, sho
wgr
ound
s, ta
xi r
anks
Ryd
e C
ity C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
✓✓
Shel
lhar
bour
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓
Shoa
lhav
en C
ity C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
✓
Stra
thfie
ld M
unic
ipal
Cou
ncil
✓✓
Sydn
ey, C
ounc
il of
the
City
of
✓✓
Cov
ered
Gra
ndst
ands
and
sea
ted
area
s at
sp
ortin
g fie
lds,
out
side
com
mun
ity c
entr
es,
Cou
ncil
orga
nise
d an
d sp
onso
red
even
ts to
pr
omot
e sm
oke-
free
are
as
Tem
ora
Shir
e C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓
Tent
erfie
ld S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
1 pa
rk/p
layg
roun
d an
d 1
park
/pic
nic
area
Tum
baru
mba
Shi
re C
ounc
il✓
✓
Tum
ut S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
Upp
er L
achl
an S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
Ura
lla S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓
Playgro
undsSports
field
sAlfr
esco d
inin
g Beaches
Park
s
Recreati
on areas Rese
rves
Pools
Bus shelte
rsW
ithin
10m
of
council
build
ings
Council eve
nts Oth
er
Add
ition
al p
olic
y in
last
12
mon
ths
or n
ew c
ounc
il
Tabl
e 1
– D
etai
ls o
f sm
oke-
free
pol
icy
by c
ounc
il (c
ontin
ued)
Smo
ke-f
ree
po
licy
incl
ud
es:
Co
un
cil
7 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
Wag
ga W
agga
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓
War
ring
ah C
ounc
il
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓In
Cou
ncil
owne
d pa
rkin
g st
atio
ns th
at a
re p
artly
or
fully
enc
lose
d by
wal
ls o
r ce
iling
s
War
rum
bung
le S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓W
ithin
10m
of y
outh
cen
tre
faci
litie
s, c
hild
ren’
s se
rvic
es a
nd c
hild
care
cen
tres
Wav
erle
y C
ounc
il ✓
✓✓
Wed
din
Shir
e C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
1
Will
ough
by C
ity C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓W
ithin
Cha
tsw
ood
Mal
l, w
ithin
The
Con
cour
se,
with
in c
ounc
il ca
r pa
rks
Win
geca
rrib
ee S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
Wol
lond
illy
Shir
e C
ounc
il✓
✓✓
✓
Wol
long
ong
City
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓ 2
✓
Woo
llahr
a M
unic
ipal
Cou
ncil
✓
Wyo
ng S
hire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓W
ithin
10m
of B
BQ
s, p
edes
tria
n m
alls
an
d pl
azas
Youn
g Sh
ire
Cou
ncil
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓✓
✓
Nu
mb
er o
f co
un
cils
w
ith
po
licy
in th
is a
rea
8869
303
1517
1114
5117
4224
Playgro
undsSports
field
sAlfr
esco d
inin
g Beaches
Park
s
Recreati
on areas Rese
rves
Pools
Bus shelte
rsW
ithin
10m
of
council
build
ings
Council eve
nts Oth
er
Add
ition
al p
olic
y in
last
12
mon
ths
or n
ew c
ounc
il
Tabl
e 1
– D
etai
ls o
f sm
oke-
free
pol
icy
by c
ounc
il (c
ontin
ued)
Smo
ke-f
ree
po
licy
incl
ud
es:
Co
un
cil
1. W
ithin
5m
. 2.
Ska
te p
arks
. 3.
No
te fo
r al
fres
co p
olic
y to
be
cou
nte
d 1
00%
of a
lfre
sco
are
a to
be
smo
ke-f
ree.
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 8
Table 2 – Comparison of metropolitan and regional councils
Metro Regional/Rural
Totalnumber 43 109
Number with smoke-free policy in 2007 17 11
Number with smoke-free policy in 2008 24 22
Number with smoke-free policy in 2009 28 30
Number with smoke-free policy in 2010 34 42
Number with smoke-free policy in 2011 37 52
% of total (using 2011 figures) 86% 48%
Table 3 – Take-up or expansion of smoke free policy since 2007 across all councils
Nameofcouncil Smoke-freepolicyin:
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Albury City Council No No No No No
Armidale Dumaresq Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Ashfield Municipal Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Auburn City Council Yes No No No No
Ballina Shire Council No No No No No
Balranald Shire Council No No No No No
Bankstown City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Bathurst Regional Council Yes Yes No No No
Bega Valley Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Bellingen Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Berrigan Shire Council No No No No No
Blacktown City Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Bland Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Blayney Shire Council No No No No No
Blue Mountains City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bogan Shire Council Yes No No No No
Bombala Council No No No No No
Boorowa Council No No No No No
Botany Bay City Council No No No No No
Bourke Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Brewarrina Shire Council No No No No No
Broken Hill City Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Burwood Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Byron Shire Council No No No No No
Cabonne Shire Council No No No No No
Camden Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Campbelltown City Council No No No No No
Canada Bay Council, City of Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Canterbury City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
9 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
Carrathool Shire Council No No No No No
Central Darling Shire Council No No No No No
Cessnock City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Clarence Valley Council Yes Yes No No No
Cobar Shire Council No No No No No
Coffs Harbour City Council Yes No No No No
Conargo Shire Council No No No No No
Coolamon Shire Council No No No No No
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council No No No No No
Coonamble Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Cootamundra Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Corowa Shire Council No No No No No
Cowra Shire Council No No No No No
Deniliquin Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Dubbo City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dungog Shire Council No No No No No
Eurobodalla Shire Council Yes No No No No
Fairfield City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Forbes Shire Council No No No No No
Gilgandra Shire Council No No No No No
Glen Innes Severn Council Yes No No No No
Gloucester Shire Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Gosford City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Goulburn Mulwaree Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Great Lakes Council Yes No No No No
Greater Hume Shire Council No No No No No
Greater Taree City Council Yes Yes No No No
Griffith City Council No No No No No
Gundagai Shire Council No No No No No
Gunnedah Shire Council Yes No No No No
Guyra Shire Council Yes No No No No
Gwydir Shire Council No No No No No
Harden Shire Council No No No No No
Hawkesbury City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hay Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Hills Shire Council, The Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Holroyd City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hornsby, The Council of the Shire of Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Hunter’s Hill Council No No No No No
Hurstville City Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Inverell Shire Council No No No No No
Jerilderie Shire Council No No No No No
Nameofcouncil Smoke-freepolicyin:
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Table 3 (continued)
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 10
Junee Shire Council No No No No No
Kempsey Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Kiama, The Council of the Municipality of
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Kogarah City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Ku-ring-gai Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Kyogle Council No No No No No
Lachlan Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Lake Macquarie City Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Lane Cove Municipal Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Leeton Shire Council Yes No No No No
Leichhardt Municipal Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Lismore City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Lithgow City Council No No No No No
Liverpool City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Liverpool Plains Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Lockhart Shire Council No No No No No
Maitland City Council Yes Yes No No No
Manly Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Marrickville Council Yes No No No No
Mid-Western Regional Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Moree Plains Shire Council No No No No No
Mosman Municipal Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Murray Shire Council No No No No No
Murrumbidgee Shire Council No No No No No
Muswellbrook Shire Council No No No No No
Nambucca Shire Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Narrabri Shire Council No No No No No
Narrandera Shire Council No No No No No
Narromine Shire Council No No No No No
Newcastle City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
North Sydney Council No No No No No
Oberon Council No No No No No
Orange City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Palerang Council No No No No No
Parkes Shire Council No No No No No
Parramatta City Council Yes Yes No No No
Penrith City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Pittwater Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Port Macquarie Hastings Council No No No No No
Port Stephens Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Queanbeyan City Council No No No No No
Table 3 (continued)
Nameofcouncil Smoke-freepolicyin:
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
11 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
Randwick City Council Yes Yes No No No
Richmond Valley Council Yes Yes No No No
Rockdale City Council No No No No No
Ryde City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Shellharbour City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Shoalhaven City Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Singleton Council No No No No No
Snowy River Shire Council No No No No No
Strathfield Municipal Council Yes No No No No
Sutherland Shire Council No No No No No
Sydney, Council of the City of Yes Yes No No No
Tamworth Regional Council No No No No No
Temora Shire Council Yes No No* No No
Tenterfield Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tumbarumba Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Tumut Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Tweed Shire Council No No No No No
Upper Hunter Shire Council No No No No No
Upper Lachlan Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Uralla Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Urana Shire Council No No No No No
Wagga Wagga City Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Wakool Shire Council No No No No No
Walcha Council No No No No No
Walgett Shire Council No No No No No
Warren Shire Council No No No No No
Warringah Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Warrumbungle Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Waverley Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Weddin Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Wellington Council No No No No No
Wentworth Shire Council No No No No No
Willoughby City Council Yes Yes No No No
Wingecarribee Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wollondilly Shire Council Yes Yes No No No
Wollongong City Council Yes Yes Yes No No
Woollahra Municipal Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wyong Shire Council Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Yass Shire Council No No No No No
Young Shire Council Yes No No No No
*Temora Shire Council was mistakenly listed as having policy in the 2009 report.
Table 3 (continued)
Nameofcouncil Smoke-freepolicyin:
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 12
Of the 152 councils surveyed in 2011, staff at almost two thirds (92) had seen the resource kit. The most common reason for not having seen the kit was that council had not considered introducing policy.
72% (66) of those who had seen the kits described them as ‘useful’ giving reasons including:• Very useful for the design of the signs.• Handy to put things together and
before council. Worked well.• Useful for staff to develop the policy.• Based the policy on the template.• Sets a fairly generic approach to
the system.• Facts there with lots of info, so
didn’t have to go looking for it. Plus could quote statistics and Heart Foundation.
• Provided content, direction and good background data.
• Useful to refer to.• Yes definitely: “It did all the work.”• Useful in the implementation of
the policy.• Used for initial policy, that was
tailored to suit local needs.• Handy as a resource to refer to if
someone has a question.• Really good, spoke to other councils
as a result. Allowed communication• Good if councillors ask for
something.• Good resource to have and refer to
as needed.• Provided good background info
and templates. • A guideline for how to go about
policy and aspects to cover.• Yes all the right information for staff.
Resource kitA resource kit designed to help council staff develop smoke-free policy was produced and disseminated in response to council requests reflected in the 2008 survey.
The original kit contained a rationale for why the smoke-free outdoor areas were important and relevant, recommendations of which areas should be included in the policy, draft council resolutions and policies as well as case studies of councils where policy already existed. The updated resource kit now includes a testimonial fact sheet addressing challenges and a CD-ROM including signage templates and photos, draft motions and resolutions and resources developed by councils with policy.
In response to feedback, an updated resource kit to help council staff develop smoke-free policy has been produced and disseminated. New features include an additional fact sheet providing testimonial responses from council staff in relation to commonly expressed challenges facing councils and a CD-ROM with signage templates and draft motions and resolutions. The new resource kit is available in hard copy by calling 02 9219 2444 or electronic form from www.heartfoundation.org.au/smokefree (does not include CD-ROM).
13 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
• Included it as an attachment to Council.
• Found the fact sheets handy.• Used it to establish the policy.• Covered all aspects, considerations
and provided statistics.• Prepared the report from
information in kit. It was very useful. The resource kit and encouragement in form of letters to council really made a difference.
The most common reason given by people who described the kit as ‘not useful’ was that the council was not considering implementing policy at that time. Other comments included:• Not relevant staff member for
developing policy• Had already implemented policy.
The councils surveyed identified a number of barriers to introducing smoke-free policy or expanding on existing policies. These included:• enforcement issues• lack of finances and resources to
implement policy• lack of finances and resources to
enforce policy• not identified by the
community as an issue, lack of community awareness
• perception that the policy would not be popular with the public
• business community concern• lack of interest at council
and/or impetus• lack of state legislation and funding• geographical challenges ie large
urban or rural areas• falling between departments• perception of “over regulation”• councillor’s or council staff’s own
smoking behaviours.
Many of these barriers are addressed in Fact Sheet 5 of the resource kit.
Barriers to introducing or expanding policy
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 14
In a 2011 Newspoll survey conducted across NSW, support for smoke-free alfresco dining was unequivocal. Demonstrating, there has been a significant increase on the 69% of NSW adults that supported a ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas in a similar survey five years ago. Support for other tobacco control measures was also strong with over 90% of smokers indicating there should be more services to help people quit.
In a separate survey commissioned in late 2010, eight out of ten** NSW café and restaurant owners responded by saying they believed state-wide legislation to ban smoking in alfresco dining areas was fairer than leaving the decision to individual councils.
Possible future changes to tobacco laws
1. Banning smoking in children’s playgrounds = 96% support
2. Banning smoking at or near the entrance to public buildings = 83% support
3. Banning smoking in outdoor areas where food or drink is served = 83% support
4. Banning the sale of tobacco products in vending machines = 75% support
5. Providing more services to help people quit = 90% support
Alfresco diningMore than eight out of ten NSW voters believe smoking should be banned from outdoor areas where food or drink is served, according to research* commissioned by Cancer Council NSW and the Heart Foundation.
The Newspoll survey in more detail
* The Newspoll was conducted during February 2011 among a representative sample of 628 NSW voters aged 18+
** This figure comes from a survey conducted by the Ipsos-Eureka Social Research Institute from 12–27 October 2010.
Support for changes to tobacco laws in recent years
1. Banning of smoking in cars carrying children under = 94% support
2. Banning smoking inside pubs and clubs = 90% support
3. Restricting the placement of tobacco products in stores so they are out of sight = 83% support
15 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
As a result of this response to the communities support for smoke-free outdoor areas, the members of the smoke-free outdoor areas working group (Heart Foundation, Cancer Council NSW, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), Australian Medical Association NSW, the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW and members of Manly and Mosman Councils) are calling for
state-wide legislation to make all alfresco dining venues and other crowded outdoor areas smoke-free.
At a minimum, this would include any outdoor areas where food or drink is served, children’s playgrounds as well as sporting grounds and facilities.
Good morning/afternoon, my name is …….. I am calling on behalf of the Heart Foundation. I was wondering if I could speak with the Manager of Administration Services or the Director of Corporate Services on whether Council has or was thinking about introducing policy on smoke-free outdoor public spaces, such as children’s playgrounds?
Whenconnectedtorelevantcouncilofficer:
Good morning afternoon, my name is …………... I have been engaged by the Heart Foundation to conduct a follow-up survey of which NSW Councils have policies on smoke-free outdoor public spaces or are considering introducing them.
I was wondering if I may ask you a few questions?
Conductappropriatesurvey(survey(a)forcouncilswhodidNOThavepolicyasofApril-July2010orsurvey(b)forcouncilswhodidhavepolicyasofApril-July2010).
Thank you very much for your time.
If the council officer wishes to speak further on the issue, please ask them to contact Andy Mark, Regional Health Promotion Coordinator Heart Foundation on 02 4233 1033 or 0401 711 833.
ConclusionAs of 30 June 2011, 59% of all NSW councils have smoke-free policy in certain council owned or controlled areas, including almost nine tenths (86%) of Metropolitan councils and almost half (48%) of regional/rural councils.
AppendixSmoke-free outdoor public spaces council survey
WARNING HEAVY PENALTY
REGULATED UNDER S632 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 16
1 Does your Council have any policies, regulations or resolutions that bans smoking in outdoor public spaces? (Note: This does not include OHS policy banning smoking on Council worksites, lunch rooms, offices, vehicles)
Prompts: the spaces may include around playgrounds, sporting fields, beaches, reserves, alfresco dining areas on council owned land, around entrances to council owned buildings.
(If NO got to Q11)
2 If so, in what areas do these bans exist?
Prompts: As above
3 If Policy exists: Do these bans exist as policy or as a Council or Committee resolution?
4 If Policy exists: Is it accessible via the internet? Website address.
Or may we obtain a hard copy?
5 Why did Council introduce policy or resolution that bans smoking in outdoor public spaces?
Prompts: Community request, Councillor interest, Council Officer’s research/report, a grant funded project.
6 Under what Policy or Regulation were the bans introduced?
Prompts: Local Government Act, OHS Act.
7 How much has Council spent on the implementation of the policy and what has been done to promote the bans? (Some may indicate they have accessed Cancer Council Grants to pay for implementation. If so note down)
8 Have notices been erected? What type of signage has been used?
Prompts: Stand alone signs or stickers attached to existing signs)
Is it possible to get a copy (photo) of the signage?
9 How is Council enforcing the bans?
10 Have any infringements been issued? (Go to Q12)
11 Has Council considered implementing policy that bans smoking in outdoor public spaces such as around playgrounds, outdoor sporting fields and facilities, beaches, reserves, alfresco areas, around entrances to Council owned buildings? If unsuccessful, why?
12 From the following list, which points do you feel or know resulted in Council Considering or Introducing Policy:
Using the scale Strongly Agree (1), Agree (2), Don’t Know (3), Disagree (4), Strongly Disagree (5) for each point.
• The results of the annual council survey
• Direct Letters from Health Organisations i.e. HF, TCCN, ASH to Council
• Receiving a small grant for signage
• Champion Councillor or council staff member
• Media articles in local press • Advocacy from smoke-free
outdoor areas group, or other health professionals
• Smoke-free outdoor areas workshop in region
• Neighbouring council introduced policy
• Other
13 What barriers has your council encountered that has prevented, delayed or restricted the implementation of a policy that bans smoking in outdoor public spaces?
14 Have you received a copy of or link to the smoke-free outdoor areas resource kit (updated resource kit mailed out July/August 2009, copies sent to councils in 2010)?
If No: Would you be interested in receiving a copy? Hard copy or emailed?
If Yes: Was the resource kit useful to Council in considering the introduction of policy?
– If Yes: How?– If No: What could be improved?
15 Would you like to receive more information or support regarding the implementation of smoke-free outdoor areas policy? Please indicate what type of information or support?
Thankyouforyourtime
Smoke-free outdoor public spaces council survey(a)
ForcouncilswhodidNOThavesmoke-freeoutdoorareapolicyorresolutionasofJuly2010
17 Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils
1 Our 2010 smoke-free outdoor area survey indicated that your Council had policies, regulations or resolutions that banned smoking in outdoor public spaces? At the time the Policy applied to (Refer to survey results). Has your Council increased the number of, or types of, Council owned areas where policy bans smoking since July 2010? (If NO got to Q7).
2 If so, in what areas do these new bans exist?
Prompts: As above
3 Do the new bans exist as policy or as a Council or Committee resolution?
4 Under what Policy or Regulation were the bans introduced?
Prompts: Local Government Act, OHS Act.
5 Is the Policy accessible via the internet? Website address.
Or may we obtain a hard copy?
6 Why did Council increase the number of, or type of, Outdoor Public Spaces with policy or resolution that bans smoking?
Prompts: Community request, Councillor interest, Council Officer’s research/report, a grant funded project, planned expansion.
7 How much has Council spent on the implementation of the policy and what has been done to promote the bans? (Some may indicate they have accessed Cancer Council Grants to pay for implementation. If so, note down)
8 Have notices been erected in the areas covered by the Policy or Resolution? What type of signage has been used? (i.e. Stand alone signs or stickers attached to existing signs) Is it possible to get a copy (photo) of the signage?
9 How is Council enforcing the bans?
10 Have any infringements been issued?
11 Has Council evaluated its smoke-free outdoor areas policy? If so how, and is it possible to get a copy of the report?
12 From the following list which points do you feel or know resulted in Council Considering or Introducing Policy:
Using the scale Strongly Agree (1), Agree (2), Don’t Know (3), Disagree (4), Strongly Disagree (5) for each point.
• The results of the annual council survey
• Direct Letters from Health Organisations ie HF, TCCN, ASH to Council
• Receiving a small grant for signage
• Champion Councillor or council staff member
• Media articles in local press • Advocacy from smoke-free
outdoor areas group, or other health professionals
• Smoke-free outdoor areas workshop in region
• Neighbouring council introduced policy
• Other
13 Has Council considered implementing additional policies or resolutions that bans smoking in outdoor public spaces? If no, or unsuccessful, why?
14 Has your Council encountered any barriers that have prevented, delayed or restricted the implementation of additional policy that bans smoking in outdoor public spaces?
15 Have you received a copy of, or link to, the smoke-free outdoor areas resource kit (updated resource kit mailed out July 2009, copies sent to councils in 2010)?
If No: Would you be interested in receiving a copy? Hard copy or emailed?
If Yes: Was the resource kit useful to Council in considering the introduction of policy?
– If Yes: How? – If No: What could be improved?
16 Would you like to receive more information or support regarding the implementation of smoke-free outdoor areas policy? Please indicate what type of information or support?
Thankyouforyourtime
Smoke-free outdoor public spaces council survey(b)
Forcouncilswhohadasmoke-freeoutdoorareapolicyorresolutionasofJuly2010
Smoke-free policy in outdoor areas | A 2011 survey of NSW councils 18
Notes
For heart health information 1300 36 27 87www.heartfoundation.org.au
© 2011 National Heart Foundation of Australia ABN 98 008 419 761
Australian Capital TerritoryCanberra
15 Denison Street Deakin ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6282 5744
New South WalesSydney
Level 3, 80 William Street Sydney NSW 2011
Tel: (02) 9219 2444
Newcastle
Suite 5, OTP House Bradford Close Kotara NSW 2289
Tel: (02) 4952 4699
Illawarra
Kiama Hospital and Community Health Service Bonaira Street Kiama NSW 2533
Tel: (02) 4233 0133
Northern TerritoryDarwin
Darwin Central Offices Level 3, 21 Knuckey Street Darwin NT 0800
Tel: (08) 8981 1966
Alice Springs
Shop 1, 9 Parsons Street Alice Springs NT 0870
Tel: (08) 8953 5942
QueenslandBrisbane
557 Gregory Terrace Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Tel: (07) 3872 2500
Townsville
Suite 7B, 95 Denham Street Townsville QLD 4810
Tel: (07) 4721 4686
South AustraliaAdelaide
155-159 Hutt Street Adelaide SA 5000
Tel: (08) 8224 2888
TasmaniaHobart
86 Hampden Road Battery Point TAS 7004
Tel: (03) 6224 2722
Northern Tasmania
Kings Meadows Community Health Centre, McHugh St Kings Meadows TAS 7249
Tel: (03) 6336 5116
North-West Tasmania
2nd Floor, Room 232 Community & Health Services Centre 23 Steele Street Devonport TAS 7310
Tel: (03) 6421 7704
VictoriaMelbourne
Level 12, 500 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9329 8511
Western AustraliaPerth
334 Rokeby Road Subiaco WA 6008
Tel: (08) 9388 3343