GOVERNMENT MOVES TO INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN SCHOOLS

The Beattie Government today unveiled a new strategy to improve the health, well-being and fitness levels of Queensland students.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said Smart Moves – Physical Activity Programs in Queensland State Schools was developed following a review of physical activity in state schools.

“Our Government is determined to do everything it can to help combat child obesity and make young Queenslanders healthier,” Mr Welford said.

“According to a survey of Queensland children released by Queensland Health last week, more than one in five children are overweight or obese – a big jump from five per cent in the 1960s.

“This is extremely concerning, but I believe our schools can help address this serious issue by providing healthier choices and quality physical activity.

“We’ve already stepped up to the challenge through the introduction of the Smart Choices – Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools, which became mandatory in all state schools this year. Now we embark on the second part of our strategy.

“The aim of Smart Moves is to provide greater opportunities for Queensland state school children to get involved in regular sport or physical activity. Smart Moves will increase the curriculum time in which students are engaged in physical activity, and the quality of that activity.”

Mr Welford said Smart Moves was based on the recommendations of the review of school sport and physical activity, which were that:

• all primary schools are to allocate 30 minutes of physical activity per day as part of the school curriculum.
• schools are to ensure they work with junior sporting organisations to maximise the use of school and community facilities for the benefit of the broader community.
• all state primary classroom teachers are to undertake professional development in the delivery of physical activity.

“I’d like to thank the Member for Mansfield, Phil Reeves, who led the Ministerial committee which conducted the review,” Mr Welford said.

As part of Smart Moves all state schools will be required to develop a Physical Activity Action Plan, which will show how schools plan to address the six key components of Smart Moves.

State schools will be required to have their Physical Activity Action Plan in place by the beginning of February 2008. Schools will be required to implement Smart Moves from July 2008.

Smart Moves is a partnership between the Department of Education, Training and the Arts, the Department of Local Government, Planning Sport and Recreation and Queensland Health.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 32371000 or 0419 734 985