Greening streets for health

Action 1.14, Action Plan for Walking 2022–2024

Department/Agency: Queensland Health, Prevention Strategy Branch

Statue: Complete

Investigate street tree planning/planting dimensions to deliver heat, shade and sun protection benefits to contribute to the evidence base of the Healthy Places, Healthy People Initiative.

Overview

Queensland Health commissioned the University of Southern Queensland to conduct research to enhance understanding of how tree planting could provide effective shade and protection from ultraviolet radiation along footpaths.

The findings from this research informed development of the Healthy Places, Healthy People shade tree guidance resources and tools.

Achievements

Shade provides numerous community health benefits. For example, it can reduce ultraviolet radiation exposure by up to 75%.

However, there is a limited evidence base for how tree planting can best reduce ultraviolet radiation exposure.

Queensland Health and University of Southern Queensland therefore addressed this evidence gap by developing new guidance.

Consultation and engagement with relevant state agencies, local government and industry stakeholders ensured that the guidance meets end–user needs.

One of the outputs is the CanopyCast tool.

CanopyCast is a digital solar analysis application that assesses shade provision and ultraviolet index reduction for various tree forms, densities and positions along footpaths in different orientations.

The tool is designed for councils and property developers to inform decisions about tree planning and planting.

It will help to deliver well–shaded environments that are proven to support people to walk more often and for longer.

Initial user feedback about the new resources has been positive.

Next steps

Queensland Health will evaluate the use of these resources and seek feedback to determine if further enhancements are required.

Queensland Health would like these resources to optimise tree shade planning and planting around Olympic and Paralympic Brisbane 2032 venues and along all connecting active travel routes.

More information

• Shade tree guidance from the Department of Health.
• CanopyCast from the Department of Health.
• Shade and street trees from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.