Recognition and reward of local government sun-safety initiatives in North Queensland: an environmental health promotion pilot

Bartlett, Lynne, Harrison, Simone, Nowak, Madeleine, and Taylor, Christine (2008) Recognition and reward of local government sun-safety initiatives in North Queensland: an environmental health promotion pilot. Environmental Health, 8 (4). pp. 41-49.

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Abstract

North Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are ideally placed to provide recreational facilities that protect the population from ultraviolet radiation. In 2005, consistent with outcomes proposed within the Queensland Skin Cancer Prevention Strategic Plan 2001-2005, the North Queensland Skin Cancer Network (NQSCN) conducted a pilot award scheme to promote and support the development of quality sun-safety strategies. Sixty-four councils in North Queensland were encouraged to enter their most sun safe initiative. The NQSCN established a 7-point assessment criterion, used by five impartial judges to determine the winner, who received a plaque, perpetual trophy and $2500 for further sun-safety initiatives at an award ceremony attended by the media. Seven high quality entries were received: four from rural and three from regional shire councils. Whilst most entries were shade structures, the winner, an urban council, nominated the development of an urban forest. Barriers to participation included: workforce shortages; economic viability; and incomplete projects at nomination closure. Building on the success of this pilot, NQSCN plans to explore the feasibility of statewide and/or national expansion using the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy-Towns model with onsite evaluation and corporate sponsorship and branding.

Item ID: 9632
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1832-3367
Keywords: sun-safety; skin cancer prevention; local government; health promotion; shade provision
Related URLs:
Funders: Queensland Health
Date Deposited: 08 Apr 2010 06:09
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111705 Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety @ 50%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111712 Health Promotion @ 30%
05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050205 Environmental Management @ 20%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920405 Environmental Health @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920407 Health Protection and/or Disaster Response @ 50%
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