Independent MLA for Kurrajong Thomas Emerson is backing a community petition calling for minimum shade requirements at Canberra playgrounds.

The petition urges the ACT Government to introduce evidence-based standards requiring a combination of built and tree shade at playgrounds, similar to recommendations made by the Cancer Institute NSW following a 2022 audit of playgrounds across that state.

Mr Emerson said several new Canberra playgrounds lacked adequate shade, making them difficult to use during hot weather.

“Some of our brand new playgrounds are basically unusable in summer,” he said.

He said the ACT’s Municipal Infrastructure Standards currently contain no minimum shade requirements for playgrounds and called for a plan to bring both new and existing facilities up to standard.

The campaign follows concerns raised about a lack of shade at recently built playgrounds in Watson and other suburbs.