Reducing harm from tobacco and e-cigarette use

In 2023, 7% of adult residents in Yarra Ranges vaped daily, compared to 4.5% across Victoria, ranking third highest in Victoria.
The rate of e-cigarette use among Australians aged 14 years and over has more than doubled since 2013 (11.3% compared with 4.5%).
In 2023, 7.8% of adult residents smoked tobacco daily (down from 11% in 2017), compared to 10% across Victoria.
In 2019/20, roughly 8% of mothers in Yarra Ranges smoked in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Nationally, adults living with disability were more likely to be current daily smokers than people without disability (14.1% compared to 8.6%).

Educate businesses and the community about their obligations under the Tobacco Act 1987.
Check that the rules are being followed and take action if needed.
Respond to complaints related to the Tobacco Act 1987.
Participate in the Cigarette Sales to Minors Program and conduct test purchases with young people to ensure compliance with the Tobacco Act 1987.
Extend smoke-free areas and help make smoking less normal in society.

Co-designed with youth ambassadors and partnered with Eastern Health, Council are designing a campaign targeted at young people to reduce vape use and increase knowledge of the harms.
Council officers conduct compliance inspections of tobacco retailers, to ensure that tobacco products cannot be seen, that correct signage is in place and that staff are trained to prevent sales to persons under the age of 18 years.
Council officers monitor public spaces like playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor pools, and entrances to schools or play centres to enforce smoking and vaping restrictions.
Council officers attend seminars and workshops to build capacity in how to effectively reduce harm from e-cigarette use.
Council officers inspect outdoor dining areas to ensure no smoking or vaping occurs in these areas, or within 4 metres of these areas, working with proprietors to ensure compliance.

Shaping Yarra Ranges