- The Crisafulli Government is delivering safer school playgrounds with $5 million allocated for new sun safe shade structures across 17 State schools.
- Queensland is the skin cancer capital of Australia and sun safe playgrounds help to protect students from the sun, while they stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
- The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland's future by delivering new and upgraded infrastructure across State schools after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering new shade structures in playgrounds across 17 State schools to help students stay sun safe and enjoy outdoor play.
The $5 million initiative will provide safer and shadier play areas where new or improved playgrounds have recently been delivered across the State.
This follows major infrastructure investments delivered by the Crisafulli Government including $100 million for new classrooms and multi-storey learning centres at Indooroopilly State School, Ripley Valley State Secondary College, Mackay North State High School and Kirwan State School in Townsville.
Under the former Labor Government, Queensland schools were left with a repair bill of more than $440 million to replace school assets reaching end of life, while student grades fell below the national average.
The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland's future with 22 new schools, including nine special schools, to deliver world-class learning facilities and improve students' results.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said outdoor play was an important part of school life and the new shade structures would ensure children could enjoy it safely.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering sun safe school playgrounds right across our regions including Gracemere, Warwick, Winton and Emerald," Minister Langbroek said.
"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.
"Safer outdoor play keeps children active and healthy, and it can improve their concentration when they are in the classroom.
"We're focused on getting back to the basics in education to lift literacy, numeracy and NAPLAN results after a decade of decline under Labor.
"By investing in new and upgraded infrastructure at State schools, we're ensuring our students have access to the best classrooms, equipment, and facilities to receive a world-class education."
Banksia Beach State School Principal Stuart Bell welcomed the playground shade project announcement for his school.
"Our new playground is the first dedicated play space for the school's older students in Years 4, 5 and 6," Mr Bell said.
