A STATE-wide ban on smoking in heavily-used parts of national parks will be introduced on North Stradbroke and Peel islands after talks are held with traditional owners.
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People breaking the regulations will face the prospect of a $243 fine.
Darren Burns, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation joint management coordinator, said bans were a logical step and would be a bonus for Straddie which had suffered from major fires.
State-wide bans were introduced in most parks last week and are similar to bans at all public transport waiting points, pedestrian malls, aged-care facilities and at or near children’s organised sporting events and skate parks.
It means smokers will have to move 10 metres away from most visitor facilities in parks.
National Parks Minister Steven Miles said the restrictions applied to picnic tables and barbecues, toilet blocks, jetties and information shelters and 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.
“...While the focus will be on educating visitors about the new rules, rangers do have the power to issue on-the-spot fines.
“The restrictions will apply to parts of 272 national parks, including 245 formalised campgrounds and 150 day-use areas, and bush camping sites.’’
Mr Burns said there was no date for an introduction at Straddie as elders had to be consulted first and talks held with the government.
“We’re going to go with it,’’ he said. “It’s well thought out. It’ll be a bonus for us because of the fire situation.’’
“...Our people understand the importance of good fire management and the devastating 2011 fire, which consumed 70 per cent of the island, was very upsetting, disruptive to many of our cultural heritage sites and devastating for our native plants and animals.
“… The last thing we want to see is another such fire started because someone throws a cigarette butt into the undergrowth.’’
Chief health officer Jeannette Young said smoking was the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in Australia.
“...Smoke-free public places, coupled with quit smoking services, have resulted in Queensland’s adult daily smoking rate dropping to 12 per cent,” Dr Young said.
Dr Miles said the national park restrictions were also expected to help cut down on litter and reduce the risk of wildfires.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said at least one Queenslander died every week from second-hand smoke exposure, having never smoked a cigarette in their life.
Ms Clift said the council also wanted a ban on smoking in the presence of children.