Smokers to butt out in national parks

Visitors to Noosa National Park are now breathing easier with smokers needing to move 10 metres away from most visitor facilities when smoking.
National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles said the new restrictions applied to picnic tables and barbecues, toilet blocks, jetties and information shelters, as well as occupied camp sites.
“These restrictions will protect the health and well-being of park visitors, and we hope smokers will consider their own health and the health of others and observe the new restrictions,” Dr Miles said.
“We want to support people who want to stop smoking, and protect those who choose not to smoke.
“While the focus will be on educating visitors about the new rules, rangers do have the power to issue on-the-spot fines of $243.
“The restrictions will apply to parts of 272 national parks, including 245 formalised campgrounds and 150 day-use areas, and bush camping sites.”
Dr Miles said new no-smoking signage is being installed, with signs striking a balance between informing people and avoiding visual pollution of these natural areas. Visitors will also be reminded of the new restrictions via messages on camping tags and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service web pages.
The national park smoking restrictions are part of Queensland Health’s recent changes to the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998, to make more public places smoke-free.
Dr Miles said the national park restrictions were also expected to help cut down on litter, and reduce the risk of wildfires.