Shire endorses health message

Amid widespread controversy over talks of banning smoking in the town centre, AMR Shire president Ian Earl confirmed the move did not include any kind of enforcement action.

“This is not a ban on smoking and there will be no fines issued or policing of the street,” Cr Earl said. 

“Council is merely taking a community education approach by encouraging smokers to think about their health and others while in our main street.”

In a statement released today, the Shire confirmed there was no plans to push for law changes, fines or policing of the main street area.  

The issue was brought to Council earlier this year when deputy president Kylie Kennaugh raised concerns from local retailers and community members of the negative effects of smokers on the street.

"Much like many other central business areas and tourist zones around the world, I felt it necessary to propose a positive message about health and lifestyle, something that is part of the Margaret River way of life," Cr Kennaugh told the Mail in February. 

Noting a wave of feedback both positive and negative on social media, Cr Kennaugh said the overall response has been one of support, once people understood that she was not calling for a ban on smoking. 

"This is not something I would expect the council to enforce or pay for.

“Signage could be provided by the Health Department, as it is in other regions, and local retailers could come on board by promoting the street as smoke-free in a positive manner."

Cr Earl said the Council supported the message of healthy lifestyles and clean, unpolluted nature of the region.

“We care about the health of the community including our future generations and encourage residents and visitors to live healthy lives,” he said.

“Margaret River air is some of the purest in the world and we encourage people to enjoy our pristine air and beautiful environment.”

Social media users, including local tourism operators, expressed concerns over discouraging large numbers of overseas tourists to visit the region if smoking is actively banned while many others said the positives of the message outweighed potential fallout. 

A community reference group will be formed to assist with the implementation which members of the public may join by calling (08) 9780 5209   or by email to amrshire@amrshire.wa.gov.au.

Have your say: What do you think about the smokefree message? Email nicky.lefebvre@fairfaxmedia.com.au or visit our Facebook page to join the discussion.