By Breanna Taylor
SunSmart Australia and Cardinia Council are working to combat skin cancer by introducing a new shade policy to help protect the community from harsh sun exposure.
Latest figures released from the Cancer Council show that Australia has one of the highest recorded rates of skin cancer in the world, with statistics showing that every 2 in 3 people will be diagnosed by the age of 70.
Cardinia council have pledged to increase the amount of built and natural shade in the community with particular emphasis on areas frequently visited by adolescence and children as this is the age where sun damage is at its most dangerous.
Cr Michael Schilling said the push for more shade comes at a time where skin cancer is counting toward a significant amount of morbidity with 102 residents in the Cardinia shire having been diagnosed in the last two years.
SunSmart Australia have backed the policy with a letter of recommendation sent to council commending them on their decision to introduce more shade as harmful skin damage can be easily preventable.
The policy aims to provide more than 90% UV protection for the community using a cost effective method of planting more natural shade in popular outdoor areas such as skate parks, BMX tracks and recreational reserves.
Councillor Collin Ross acknowledged the risk of UV exposure saying the decision made by council is a “small yet highly important one,” to prevent any more people being affected by a potential deadly issue.
“We know it’s dangerous, we know it’s affecting our community and we are encouraging people to use our outdoor reserves to be as fit and healthy as possible so this just adds that extra level of protection… we need to make sure we move into a happy, healthy future.”
