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.