Playgrounds removal praise

By Dion Teasdale
AN ENVIRONMENTAL activist has applauded the Shire of Yarra Ranges for removing potentially poisonous timber products from its playgrounds.
Chum Creek activist Linda Fabb, who has been campaigning for the removal of copper chrome arsenate (CCA) treated timber from schools and kindergartens, has praised the Shire for its latest efforts.
Last week the shire announced it would spend $140,000 upgrading 14 playgrounds across the municipality and that the upgrades would involve the removal of CCA treated timber products.
The announcement follows a decision by the Shire in August to gradually replace CCA treated timber playground equipment at 29 pre schools and 17 maternal and child health (MCH) centres.
Shire of Yarra Ranges acting executive officer of parks and bushland Bert Bresser said the upgrades would eventually see items of CCA treated timber removed from all Shire playgrounds.
“We are in the process of removing CCA treated timber products in Shire playgrounds on a priority basis and over a period of time we will be rid of all of it,” he said.
“At the moment it is a 10 year program but with the way things are progressing we may get through the replacement earlier.”
Mr Bresser said the current upgrades were part of a program that would see the Shire’s 120 playgrounds undated and made safer, and that 45 playgrounds in the Shire have already been upgraded.
Some of the playgrounds upgraded include facilities in Healesville, Woori Yallock, Seville, Mooroolbark, Belgrave and Upwey.
“We commenced removal and replacement of CCA treated timber before concerns were raised about potentially harmful effects of toxins in the wood,” Mr Bresser said.
“The timber needs replacing primarily because some of it is no longer suitable for use. It cracks with age and splinters come off.
“However, if by removing it and not putting in any new CCA treated timber makes our playgrounds safer, then that’s the best outcome for everyone.”
Ms Fabb said she was pleased to see the potential of long term health effects from contact with CCA treated timber being taken seriously.
“I am absolutely delighted that the issue of children being exposed to CCA treated timber is being taken seriously by people who can make a difference,” she said.
“The Shire is trying to seriously deal with this issue and this latest round of equipment upgrades is another step in the right direction.
“It means people can take children to playgrounds across the Shire and feel safe that they aren’t being exposed to any potentially harmful chemicals in the equipment,” she said.