North Sydney Council has voted to ban smoking in the North Sydney central business district (CBD).
Councillors supported the proposal unanimously after feedback from community consultation indicated that the majority of people were in favour of making the whole of the North Sydney CBD smoke free.
Community consultation was undertaken between 22 October 2018 and 28 February 2019 to determine if there was community support.
There were 577 responses with 80 per cent of people supporting the proposal.
The ban will be implemented in two stages.
The first stage will focus on spreading awareness of the change and self-regulation for a three-month period.
Footpath decals will be installed advising people that smoking will be prohibited in the CBD as well as the area north of the CBD (up to the Council Chambers and the Civic Centre).
A further report will go to council at the end of this period to review whether self-regulation is working or enforcement of the prohibition is needed.
Mayor, Jilly Gibson, said she’s proud that North Sydney is leading the way in this important change.
“I believed our community would support a push to expand our no smoking zone policy and as I predicted, it has been widely welcomed.
“There’s been a lot of interest in this proposal and I’m not surprised. Second hand smoke is detrimental to everyone’s health.
“We want to create a safe environment for our community where everyone can enjoy our outdoor open spaces.”
