Seventeen Queensland state schools will receive new shade structures as part of a $5 million investment aimed at making outdoor play safer and more usable.
The Queensland Government says the funding will provide new or improved shade over playgrounds where new playground facilities have recently been delivered.
Schools receiving funding include Banksia Beach State School, Browns Plains State School, Charleville State School, Coomera State School, Emerald State School, Gracemere State School, Ipswich Central State School, Moranbah East State School, Nobby State School, North Arm State School, Talara Primary College, Tambo State School, Veresdale Scrub State School, Warwick East State School, Warwick West State School, Westmar State School and Winton State School.
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the structures would allow students to continue using outdoor facilities during hotter periods.
“Queensland is the Sunshine State and that unfortunately comes with risks, which is why we’re delivering shade structures over our newest playgrounds to ensure they can continue to be used during the hotter months,” he said.
“Safer outdoor play keeps children active and healthy, and it can improve their concentration when they are in the classroom.”
Banksia Beach State School principal Stuart Bell said the new shade would complement a recently delivered playground for older primary students.
“Our new playground is the first dedicated play space for the school’s older students in Years 4, 5 and 6,” he said.
“The students are loving it, and having a shade structure overhead really puts the icing on the cake. We’re hugely grateful for this investment.”
Sun protection is already an important consideration for Queensland schools, with Department of Education guidance requiring schools to take reasonably practicable steps to protect students and staff from ultraviolet radiation.
The funding is part of a broader program of school infrastructure investment, with the Queensland Government also announcing new classrooms and learning facilities at several state schools.