Kunzhou National Park will implement some of the regional smoking ban measures. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation Photo)
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Queensland`s (Queensland) goverment is concerned that the air in the state`s national parks is not fresh enough, citing air quality and secondhand smoke as one of the main causes. As a result, starting tomorrow, all national parks across the state will implement part of the regional smoking ban.
The new restrictions apply to 272 national parks and campsites across the state, including areas close to picnic areas, barbecue areas, latrines, wharves and information services, said Mills (Steven Miles), director of national parks. All people are not allowed to smoke in these areas. The new rules will freshen the air in national parks across the state.
Park caretakers may impose a fine of A $243 if they find someone smoking within 10 meters of the facility.
Professor Yang (Jeannette Young), the state`s chief health officer, said the new rules would also help prevent secondhand smoke. She says 3700 people die every year from smoking in the state, and 2 percent of them do not voluntarily smoke. While other states have begun to impose a total ban on smoking in national parks, she said it is important to focus on areas where people gather. She wants people to go for walks or activities in Queensland, so the key problem is that people don`t smoke in places that affect others.
Mr. Mills said the state already had stricter anti-smoking laws and that the restrictions further expanded the law. He hopes to reduce the amount of cigarette waste and reduce the probability of inadvertent forest fires by banning smoking in national parks.
