By JONATHON HOWARD
A DOONAN resident has a bold new plan that he believes would change the face of Noosa by declaring shared public spaces “smoke-free”.
Andrew Bell said he had written an open letter to Noosa Council mayor Noel Playford asking for his advice and feedback on the idea which would make all shared public spaces smoke- free.
“It is time to really put Noosa on the map and world stage,” he said.
“Quite simply, I suggest you (Mayor Playford) make all public areas of Noosashire ‘smoke-free’.
“Not all at once, start small, and build on what will ultimately be a very successful initiative.”
Mr Bell said the cigarette ban could start with the Main Beach, Noosa Woods, the National Park, Hasting Street and Gympie Terrace.
“Put up large signs, advertise it in the free press, it doesn’t have to be an expensive campaign, let the locals police it,” he said.
A passionate local campaigner, Mr Bell has recently bowed into debate around the treatment of dogs and dog owners as well as noisy children, but his beef with cigarettes goes much deeper.
“The signs could be evocative and say things like, “my children thank you for not smoking”, “don’t trash with your ash” or “there are no butts in Noosa”,” he said.
“I would even volunteer to start to run the campaign for you.”
The idea comes with a serious side and Mr Bell said he watched his mother-in-law die from the habit.
“Not only for my own offspring, but for the health of the state in general and the local wildlife,” he said.
“I am sure all those fish would prefer not to have all those butts floating out to sea.
“You may say it will drive away tourists and locals; well that is what the landlords said when a ban was introduced in pubs and clubs, they all seem to be full now and in fact for a time it was a novelty to go to a venue and not be gassed out.”
Mr Bell said the Brisbane Queen Street Mall project, while still not voluntarily 100 per cent smoke-free; it certainly was a step in the right direction.
“If we are really serious about our future, our health and wellbeing, this initiative could be a great accolade to add to the Noosa Biosphere portfolio. I leave you with this thought to take to your councillors for discussion.”
Noosa Council was asked to comment in relation to Mr Bell’s request, but did not respond before the print deadline.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you think Noosa could be leading the way towards banning smoking in public spaces? Send your letters or comments to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
