Sarah Oliver
Council is continuing to fight against the issue of vaping among Melton’s youth after a report found the problem is anecdotally widespread.
At council’s June 28 meeting, council officers were asked to engage with principles from local schools and other community groups to discuss the issue of e-cigarette use among young people.
The report was table at last night’s council meeting, outlining the engagement undertaken and how council can help address the issue.
“Currently, based on all the engagement undertaken, the report provides some outcomes that, whilst insufficient data is available at the moment to suggest that vaping is a major issue for the city of Melton, anecdotally … it does appear that it is becoming a significant issue,” community services manager Troy Scoble said.
Councillor Julie Shannon said education is “hugely important” but that her main concern is finding out where the e-cigarettes are coming from.
“My main concern, and where I want to eventually go with this, would be to find out where these are coming from … any business that is illegally selling e-cigarettes, especially with nicotine, need to be found and charged.
“So if there’s anything we can do as a council to help support that happening, I think that’s extremely important.”
The report also outlined that “council can play a key role in working with key agencies in the advocacy, education and awareness space to address this increasing community health issue”.
Cr Shannon moved a motion to request officers continue to work with key partner agencies, including Victoria Police, to raise awareness of the issue and illegal selling of e-cigarettes.
The motion also requested officers work with key agency partners and schools to educate young people, parents and teachers on the impacts caused by vaping.
Cr Bob Turner asked for a further point to be added that includes the engagement of all groups within the community who engage and support youth.
Cr Steve Abboushi said vaping “really is a significant issue and I firmly believe that if action is not taken to tackle this matter urgently and as soon as possible, it will unfortunately have a devastating and lasting impact on our young people in our community”.
