A SMOKE-free trial run by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is among the finalists in the 41st annual Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria’s Tidy Towns & Cities – Sustainability Awards.
In the litter category, the Safety Beach smoke free zone specifically has been hailed a success in navigating a smoke free environment. Since the original smoke free trial in April 2021, Beach Patrol volunteers have monitored the uptake of butt bins, with findings showing a significant decrease in butt litter. Local businesses were also surveyed, with 42 per cent noticing a reduction in butt litter near their businesses.
The council has been rolling out its smoke-free environment policy – which aims to reduce tobacco related harm and increased environmental sustainability – as part of the Tobacco Act.
This implementation of smoke free areas includes clearly identifiable spaces, with the help of signage and butt bins on all relevant council owned and managed sites.
Smoke free areas include libraries, public halls, youth centres, civic reserves, Mornington Peninsula regional gallery and customer support centres.
The trial was run with help from Peninsula Health, Safety Beach/Dromana Beach Patrol, Wastewise Peninsula, Belgravia Leisure, Civic Reserve user groups, Josie Jones from The Only Butt campaign and Point Leo Foreshore Committee.
Mayor Cr Steve Holland said council’s smoke free environment policy implementation was another direct response to protecting resident’s wellbeing and our environment.
“This implementation identifies and creates smoke free areas on all relevant council owned and managed lands,” he said.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 19 September 2023
