Bunbury will soon be home to its very own shisha smoking area after a proposal was voted in 7-3 during last week’s City of Bunbury council meeting.
The approved proposal will see a shisha area introduced to the popular Orfa Kebabs and Turkish Bakery later this year, with the topic bringing heated debate to the council chamber.
Cancer Council WA regional education officer Shenae Norris said it had been disappointing to see councillors perceiving they cannot reject a planning recommendation in the interests of their communities’ health.
“The City of Bunbury already have a much higher rate of smoking than the state’s average, and with the development of a shisha area, we are concerned about the future health status of the Bunbury community,” she said.
“Unfortunately councils’ decision could not be contextualised due to an overdue absence of a council policy on tobacco smoking - I see this as a future opportunity for the City of Bunbury”.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said local businesses were in favour of the addition to the popular Bunbury eatery.
“Development approval was sought for a proposed alfresco structure to facilitate a formal designated shisha area and as that development met all planning and development requirements it was approved,” he said.
“There was a public consultation period where a total of 19 public submissions were received – only one of those was an objection.
“Council does not encourage or condone smoking of tobacco products however shisha smoking in Western Australia is legal and it is up to the individual as to whether they choose to partake in such an activity.”
Bunbury MLA Don Punch said he had a general concern about the impact of smoking, alcohol and other forms of drug use on people’s health.
“I would always urge people who are engaging in the use of smoking and alcohol to be mindful of their health,” he said.
“Clearly there is a demand for that type of service, I understand it’s popular in Perth and the proponent has indicated they want to make a considerable investment to make it happen and to comply with planning laws.
“It’s not an illegal activity, it’s a health related activity, smoking does have a serious health related issue for the community.
“The state government has invested heavily in encouraging people to quit and I encourage people to quit.
“The realty is if the community go out and use it then clearly there was a demand for it.”
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