Mandurah WA takes a stand on unhealthy outdoor ads

The City of Mandurah, in Western Australia, has shown what local councils can do to protect children from junk food advertising. They have introduced a policy that prohibits images of unhealthy food or images that promote alcohol or the consumption of alcohol products on bench seats and illuminated signs. 

Their policy also states that advertising on banner poles, bus shelters and bins is not permitted for commercial purposes. These policies tie in with the City of Mandurah’s Health and Wellbeing Plan that includes a focus on “technology and infrastructure that aids in better health” and states that city policies include health and wellbeing and public health objectives and strategies. 

Councils in NSW could also develop a policy like this to set a good example to their community about healthy eating and take a stand against unhealthy advertising that influences children’s eating habits. Unhealthy food ads are particularly noticeable on bus shelters but also should be removed from places that council manages such as sporting complexes and other places children gather.