Designated smoke and vape-free areas at Scarborough Beach could be introduced under a community petition calling on the City of Stirling to create healthier public spaces for families and beachgoers.
Organiser and mother of a young family Bethany Taylor launched the online petition, saying visitors should be able to enjoy the beach without exposure to second-hand smoke and vape emissions.
“Scarborough Beach is a place where people come to run, walk, swim, skate, play basketball and enjoy the playgrounds with their children,” she said in her petition.
“It is a place that encourages an active, healthy lifestyle, yet visitors can still be exposed to second-hand smoke and vape aerosols while enjoying these shared spaces.”
Ms Taylor is calling now calling on the council to introduce designated smoke and vape-free areas, pointing to the City of Vincent’s existing smoke and vape-free town centre initiatives as an example.
“The City of Vincent has already taken positive steps by introducing smoke and vape-free areas in Leederville, Mt Hawthorn, Mt Lawley/Highgate, North Perth and Northbridge,” she says.
“These initiatives demonstrate how local councils can help create healthier public spaces.”
The petition says that the zones could help protect the community from passive smoking and vaping, reduce cigarette butt and vape-related litter, and provide positive role modelling for young people and raise awareness of the health risks associated with smoking and vaping.
At time of writing, the petition had 70 signatures of its 100 goal.
Supporters of the petition have also raised their own concerns about the environmental impacts of cigarette litter and the importance of keeping the beach clean.
Supporter Pamela called for cigarette butts to be banned from beaches and other public spaces, saying they have potential to pollute waterways and harm wildlife.
“Cigarette butts are cellulose acetate (plastic) and contain over 7000 hazardous chemicals, which pollute soil, water and air,” she said.
“One butt pollutes 500-1000 litres of water, poisoning fish and other small animals living in soil and water. Butts are consumed by turtles, which block their intestinal tract, causing death.
“They are the most littered item on earth with 4.5 trillion littered annually! Ban them on beaches, public places, and near rivers and lakes please.”
Another supporter, Rashna, called for Scarborough Beach to be enforced as a smoke and vape-free area.
“Ensure Scarborough Beach is enforced as a smoke and vape free area for all to enjoy,” they wrote.
“The general public should be entitled to fresh ocean air untainted by smoke and vapour.”
Under Western Australian laws, smoking and vaping are already prohibited between beach flags or other markers at patrolled beaches, as well as within 10m of public playground equipment. Smoking is also not allowed at eateries unless there’s a dedicated outdoor smoking area.
Failure to comply can result in a $500 fine or a maximum penalty of up to $2500 if taken to court.
Local governments are allowed to introduce signage identifying additional smoke and vape-free areas.
Ms Taylor is also urging people who do not live near Scarborough Beach to sign the petition.
“Our beaches and public spaces should be places where families can enjoy the outdoors without unnecessary exposure to smoke,” she said in the petition.
“Let’s make a positive change for our families, our community and future generations.”
The petition comes just one week after the city announced it was officially seeking developers to help transform two mulch-covered eyesores into a family friendly hospitality destination and a major public recreation space.
