Petition: STOP USING ARTIFICIAL TURF IN SCHOOL GROUNDS
Our second petition to stop the spread of fake grass has just gone online.
Petition wording
Queensland residents draw to the attention of the House our concern that artificial grass is being installed in school grounds. Scientific research shows that this creates a hotter environment for children and others in the school community, is detrimental to the health of trees that are there to provide shade and contributes to the overall urban heat island effect.
At a time when we should be raising awareness of the urgent need to increase natural biodiversity and native habitat in all available land to help mitigate the effects of climate change, this practice is taking us in the opposite direction.
The use of this material in schools legitimises and normalises the use of this environmentally destructive product and sends the wrong message to children and their families.
Your petitioners request that the House do all in its power to ensure that:
a) The full life-cycle impact of products (including production, maintenance, and disposal) on the environment be considered in choosing materials and treatments of all infrastructure and landscaping designs on all public and government land, including schools and colleges.
b) The installation of artificial grass on all public and government land including schools and colleges ceases immediately.
c) Where artificial grass has already been installed, a program to reinstate more nature-positive alternatives is rolled out.
d) The greening of school grounds is used as an educational opportunity.
Under 18s can sign too
From the FAQ on Petitions
Can people under 18 years of age sign a petition?
Yes, if the petition is from residents of Queensland, and the person signing the petition is a resident of Queensland and they are old enough to understand what they are signing.
Please sign and share with anyone you know in Queensland.
We are looking for a good photo to use as an example, and reports of its use in a school near you.
The response to the petition response is available at https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=4008
"Thank you for your letter dated 15 February 2024 regarding Petition No. 4008-23 in relation to
the use of artificial turf in school grounds.
"The Queensland Government remains committed to providing appropriate services and
facilities to enable the optimal delivery of curriculum and to promote a safe learning
environment in all schools.
"The Department of Education's Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student
strategy and the Infrastructure for Learning initiatives are aligned with the Queensland
Government's Climate Action Plan and targets. Priority initiatives are underway to reduce our
environmental impact to create sustainable and climate-positive environments through
contemporary design, renewal and maintenance that builds climate resilience and embeds
environmental sustainability.
"A key Infrastructure for Learning initiative is the review of the Department's Design Technical
Specifications and Standards. This includes considerations relating to the installation of
artificial turf. The review outcomes will be incorporated into future iterations of the document.
The review is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
"I would like to thank you, the principal petitioner and every person who signed the petition for
their advocacy for Queensland state schools."
This petition has closed with 844 signatures.
Referred to Hon Di Farmer MP on the 16/2/2024. A response is due on 14/3/2024
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Closed-EPetitions