Brisbane Lord Mayor announces sun safe program

A $10 million program rolling out across every playground in the Brisbane local government area will protect future generations.

Every playground in Brisbane will become more sun-safe for children within a few years as part of a new initiative announced by the Lord Mayor.

Adrian Schrinner has unveiled the multimillion-dollar rollout of shade sails to every playground in the local government area.

“As mums, dads, grandparents and carers know all too well, Brisbane playgrounds without shade can be no-go zones during the warmer months of the year,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Queensland also remains the skin cancer capital of Australia with more than 3600 people diagnosed with melanoma each year so it’s vital we’re sun safe, no matter our age.

Jonathan Szabo, 4, enjoys the shade at the recently upgraded Bridgnorth Street Park in Carindale. Picture: John Gass

“So we will invest $10 million over the coming years to ensure every playground in Brisbane has shade sooner rather than later.

“When we’re finished all of our playgrounds will have some form of shade during the day, which will be a fantastic outcome.”

Cancer Council Queensland general manager for advocacy James Farrell said the initiative would help protect children from the harsh Queensland sun.

“Providing shade at every playground in the Brisbane City Council area is an important initiative that will help protect children from sunburn and potentially from skin cancers later in life,” Mr Farrell said.

“Adequate sun protection is critical from an early age.”