mmg.com.au

Smoking in outdoor dining areas will be banned in NSW and the Victorian Government is considering a similar proposal, but Greater Shepparton City Council might just get there first.

City of Greater Shepparton councillor Jenny Houlihan has won support for her motion calling for a report from officers on banning smoking in outdoor dining areas in the city. The report will address relevant health, environmental, social, economic, and governance matters and is to be brought before councillors again at either the March or April meetings.

Cr Houlihan said at Tuesday’s council meeting she had considered putting forward a notice of motion to introduce a ban instead of a report on the issue.

‘‘I did think about putting this on today as a discussion about banning smoking in outdoor dining areas because I believe that is what the community wants,’’ Cr Houlihan said.

‘‘However, I thought it was sensible to call for a report.’’

Cr Houlihan said while she was prepared to ‘‘see what is in the report’’, she also expected it would support a ban and flagged her intention to formally seek its introduction.

Cr Geoff Dobson said Shepparton should be on the ‘‘front foot’’ on the issue and Cr Cherie Crawford also supported the move.

‘‘Smoking is a health hazard, I’ve lost two brothers to lung cancer, I am very aware of it,’’ she said.

The council voted unanimously in favour of the motion.

On the same day, the NSW Government announced it would ban smoking at playgrounds, sports grounds and swimming pools as soon as possible and in outdoor dining areas from 2015.

The Victorian Government is considering a proposal for a similar ban across the state and is looking at action already taken by councils.

Municipal Association of Victoria president Bill McArthur said uniform laws were needed to eliminate the confusion caused by the various council policies and he would seek a meeting with Victorian Health Minister David Davis to discuss a wider policy move.