Report sought on playground shade

How shade is provided for local playgrounds will be detailed in a report to Baw Baw Shire Council.

Cr Joe Gauci called for a report outlining council's current actions to provide both natural shade and built-form shade in open space areas and playgrounds.

The need for the report was unanimously supported by council.

Presenting a general business motion, Cr Gauci said the matter was discussed at a recent Early Years Advisory Committee meeting.

He said it followed a social media post complaining of council's lack of action when it came to providing playground shade.

“I know that's not quite accurate, because I know that we have programs in place with tree planting,” Cr Gauci said.

“But I thought it would be appropriate that we did a report highlighting what we actually are doing in council and what is programmed going forwards.”

In addition, Cr Gauci said the advisory committee could use the information from the report to make budget submissions.

“I'm standing here to front their concerns,” he said. “Let's see if there are solutions that we're already doing or whether there are things we can actually do extra to make shade available.”

Cr Danny Goss said Baw Baw had “some absolutely fantastic playgrounds” where kids and youth could be outdoors, active, occupied and have fun.

“We know that playgrounds are very important for our community,” he said. “It makes sense to see what council is doing.”

As people become more sun conscious, Cr Goss said shade would “keep some of the most valuable people in our community safe”.

“We do know that shading around playgrounds could be very popular and safer,” he added. “This report may well lead to actions.”

Cr Keith Cook spoke about “the amazing playgrounds” spread across Drouin.

Cr Cook noted some of the new playgrounds installed were more organic and used wood, “whether that doesn't reflect the heat as much”.

“Whatever we can do to make young families happy and youth happy would be wonderful,” he said.