Published June 2024
VINCENT council’s Fresh Air – You’re Welcome project has successfully established popular smoke-free and vape-free zones around the city, allowing residents and visitors to savour the crisp, fresh winter air without a cloud of smoke in sight.
Aligned with the council’s Public Health Plan 2020-2025, the “Fresh Air – You’re Welcome” project aims to eliminate the health risks associated with smoking and vaping while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Vincent mayor Alison Xamon said it was a significant initiative.
“Our Fresh Air – You’re Welcome project, launched in November 2022, transformed North Perth, Mt Hawthorn, Leederville, William Street, and Beaufort Street town centres into permanently smoke and vape-free zones,” Ms Xamon said.
The smoke-free zones were realised three years ahead of schedule, underscoring the city’s commitment to public health leadership and advocacy.
In 2015/16 the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University estimated the cost of smoking was around 20,000 deaths across the country and more than $136 billion spent annually on treatment and lost productivity.
Recent research indicates that the surge in vaping across Australia is projected to impose an additional $180 million burden on the health system annually, a figure that is considered conservative.
Fresh Air
Fresh Air – You’re welcome has garnered widespread support, with 88 per cent of residents backing the initiative as of December 2023.
“Many community members have highlighted that the project is a good idea and great for families and children,” Ms Xamon said.
“Some comments included increased enjoyment of the town centres and an enhanced feeling of safety regarding their own health.”
The smoke and vape-free zones extend beyond just town centres, encompassing outdoor dining areas, playgrounds, childcare centres, and building entrances, ensuring comprehensive protection from second-hand smoke and vaping aerosols.
Clear signage and ongoing public education campaigns play a crucial role in promoting compliance and awareness.
“Education and awareness are our primary approaches,” Ms Xamon said.
“We utilise online campaigns, pop-up events, workshops, and signage in various languages to inform the public.”
Fines under the Local Government Property Local Law 2021, are considered a last resort, with a focus on safety and promoting compliance.
The initiative also addresses environmental concerns by reducing litter from cigarette butts and vape cartridges.
Creating smoke-free and vape-free town centres benefits the entire community, from improved health and wellbeing to less litter and positive role modelling for young people,” Ms Xamon said.
Business
In addition to health and environmental benefits, she believes the project supports local businesses.
Contrary to fears of negative economic impacts, existing Australian and international literature shows that smoke-free legislation does not result in venue closures or revenue loss.
“We are working closely with local businesses to manage the transition of footpath areas directly outside venues becoming smoke-free and vape-free,” Ms Xamon said.
Vincent’s efforts are part of a broader national movement to reduce smoking and vaping rates.
The initiative aligns with federal and state tobacco control legislation and frameworks and complements national campaigns, such as the Vaping Reforms Bill 2024, currently before the Australian Senate, which aims to end the import, manufacture, supply, and commercial possession of non-therapeutic disposable vapes in Australia.
Optimistic
Ms Xamon is optimistic about the future and success of the city’s initiative and said the next steps included more education campaigns in hotspots and working further with local businesses.
“We are committed to protecting our community from the harms of smoking and vaping and ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.”
Other cities that have implemented similar projects Melbourne, Hobart, North Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.
Residents interested in learning more about the smoke-free and vape-free zones in the City of Vincent, including maps and existing restrictions, can visit the WA Department of Health website or the City’s Smoke and Vape-Free Businesses webpage.
Community members seeking support to quit smoking or vaping are encouraged to explore resources available on the Make Smoking History website.
They can also urge the WA Health Department to investigate smoke and vape areas by emailing: mail@hadsco.wa.gov.au
For any queries, please get in touch.