By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
BUNJIL Place will be a smoke-free zone.
This month Casey Council confirmed the new $125 million community facility, which is in the early stages of construction, will be completely smoke-free when it opens in 2017.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz said the smoke-free rule complied with the council’s 2013/17 Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan.
“As Victoria’s largest municipality, we are proud to set an example to the community to help model the behaviours which will deliver the best health,” Cr Aziz said.
“While we already have a no-smoking policy for our offices, community buildings and parks, this change is another step towards ensuring there is no smoking at the Bunjil Place precinct, which includes Casey ARC which is already smoke-free.
“At the heart of Bunjil Place will be the community plaza which will provide a place for people of all ages to sit, relax and be entertained.
“This announcement cements Bunjil Place’s reputation as a family-friendly precinct inclusive of all.”
The confirmation comes after more than 130 businesses visited Casey Council chambers in February for a special information session about the project.
A number of local traders, manufacturers and suppliers turned out to meet with representatives from Brookfield Multiplex which was recently awarded the contract to build Bunjil Place, while a number of major sub-contractors – including plumbing, electrical, climate control and civil works representatives – were available for discussion.
One of these local traders was Adam Downes, the owner of Charisma Coffee Vans, who knows how much tradies like their coffee and saw a business opportunity to provide caffeine to those people working on the Bunjil construction in the coming months.
With his business label emblazoned on his polo shirt, Mr Downes attended the information session to introduce himself to the Brookfield representatives and make his pitch.
“It seems like a great opportunity, there’s a lot of demand with workers for coffee,” Mr Downes told Star News.
“Workers need fuel to keep going and I’m sure most people love a coffee.
“So that’s the main reason that I’m here, to meet some new people within the local area as well and generate some business that way.”
Any residents wanting to quit smoking should contact Quitline on 13 78 48.
To find out more about Bunjil Place, visit www.bunjilplace.com.au
