Katanning declares smoke-free zones

Smokers will now have to butt out in some parts of Katanning after council voted to declare several popular public places smoke- free zones, but Shire president Alan McFarland has admitted it will be hard to enforce.

The unanimous decision was made at last week's council meeting, with the all-ages playground, skate park, Lions Park and outdoor areas at Katanning Leisure Centre, town hall, library, Shire administration offices, aquatic centre and regional saleyards now smoke-free zones.

Shire president McFarland said signs would soon be erected at the smoke-free zones, but because of a lack of resources it would be a challenge to ensure everyone abides by the new rules.

"We are not going to be running around to get people to put out their cigarettes. We don't have the staff or resources to do that," he said. "But smokers … know the areas they are not supposed to smoke."

Cr McFarland said the no-smoking stance could open up greater funding opportunities for community events, such as Christmas on Clive Street.

"It's nice to have parents and their young kids around in a smoke-free zone and not have to worry about inhaling cigarette smoke," he said.

"The funding opportunities (it opens up) could allow more outdoor events."

Plans are also in place to install cigarette butt bins in Katanning to encourage smokers from littering.

Mother of four and Katanning Junior Basketball Association volunteer Gail Butterworth welcomed the move.

The junior basketball association holds its games at the leisure centre, which was included in the new smoke-free areas.

"Having kids inhale smoke from cigarettes can harm their health and having smoke-free zones … will encourage a healthy lifestyle," she said.

Ms Butterworth was also optimistic of getting more funding.

"It's a great opportunity. It would be great to see junior sporting events be in the running for some new funding," she said.