The City of Vincent has become the third local government in Western Australia to move toward restricting fossil fuel advertising on council-controlled infrastructure, joining more than 60 jurisdictions worldwide.
At its most recent meeting, Council unanimously endorsed a motion requesting discussions with advertising provider oOh! media to prohibit fossil fuel advertising on City bus shelters, alongside advertising for gambling, alcohol, e-cigarettes and unhealthy food products.
The motion, introduced by Mayor Alison Xamon, was passed unanimously.
Under the resolution, the City will seek amendments to its bus shelter advertising agreement to prohibit advertising that “promotes unhealthy food and beverages, alcohol, e-cigarettes, gambling products or services, arms manufacturers and the fossil fuel industry.”
The decision follows similar moves by the Town of Cambridge and the Town of Cottesloe, making Vincent the third WA council to take formal steps toward restricting fossil fuel advertising in public spaces.
In the motion, Council noted that bus shelter advertising is “highly visible in public places” and can influence “community attitudes and behaviour, including among children, young people and vulnerable members of the community.”
The Council papers also referenced growing evidence around the “commercial determinants of health,” including the role corporate actors can play in shaping public health outcomes.
Comms Declare welcomed the decision as part of growing momentum across Australia to limit fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship in public spaces..
The City confirmed that future contract renewals are expected to incorporate the exclusions, regardless of the outcome of current negotiations with the advertising provider.