Move to make Ekka smoke-free seen as a breath of fresh air

The Royal Queensland Show, the state's largest annual event, has been declared smoke free in an effort to make Queenslanders healthier.

Royal Nation Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the move was made to "create a safe and healthy environment" for the tens of thousands of families that attend the Royal Queensland Show.

"Those wishing to come to the show and smoke will need to leave the showgrounds and access five offsite smoking areas," he said.

Queensland Health said they supported the move by the RNA to make Ekka, as it is more affectionately known, a smoke-free environment for the entire event.

"Each year in Queensland about $6.1 billion in health costs, lost productivity and premature death can be attributed to tobacco smoking," Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said.

"We also know that one in 10 people who die from smoking-related illness are as a result of a second-hand smoke."

Dr Young highlighted that in the past there have been 13 designated smoking areas within Ekka, but they have all been removed.

"These changes are the latest step in a series of moves towards a smoke-free Queensland," Dr Young said.

Queenslanders can also expect widespread anti-smoking advertising on television, radio, print and social media in the lead up to the event.

Ekka will be held August 7 to 16 at the Brisbane Showgrounds in Bowen Hills.