On Tuesday 17 September, the Future Melbourne Committee will decide whether to endorse the proposed smoke-free area in Bourke Street.

We have developed a report that outlines the findings from the community consultation on our proposal to create a smoke-free area on Bourke Street from Elizabeth Street to Russell Place, including Bourke Street Mall. The Future Melbourne Committee will use the report to shape their decision.

Key findings in the report include:

• 83 per cent of individual respondents were in support of the area becoming smoke-free, eight per cent were neutral and only nine per cent opposed.
• Businesses were also highly supportive of the proposed smoke-free area with 83 per cent in support, eight per cent neutral and nine per cent opposed.

There is relatively low opposition from smokers, with 67 per cent of smokers either having a positive or neutral attitude to the smoke-free area proposal. Furthermore, 39 per cent of smokers intercepted on Bourke Street believe creating more smoke-free areas would make them definitely quit or consider quitting smoking.

Tuesday’s meeting will commence at 5.30pm at Melbourne Town Hall.

If you would like to read the draft report, attend the meeting or make a submission, please visit the Future Melbourne Committee 17 September 2019 page or email us.