15 October 2024
New fast food restaurants will not be permitted within 400 metres of schools under a new Greens plan to tackle childhood obesity.
Greens MLC Robert Simms will be introducing a Private Members Bill to amend state planning laws to implement the restrictions. If the laws pass the Parliament, South Australia will be the first state in the country to take action on the issue.
“Given the role of fast-food in obesity and in turn chronic disease, it is totally inappropriate for these businesses to be literally walking distance from so many schools. With one in four Australian children being overweight or obese, the Government should be doing what it can to promote healthy choices,” said Mr Simms.
“I know that many South Australian parents would welcome restrictions being placed on the location of fast-food restaurants as at the moment those parents who are wanting to encourage healthy food choices are being pitched in a David and Goliath fight with big corporations trying to sell junk food to their kids.”
“The City of London imposed a ban on new fast-food take-aways within 400 metres of schools back in 2017. It’s time for South Australia to do the same and show leadership on tackling childhood obesity.”
Some examples of fast-food outlets near SA schools include:
• Hungry Jack’s 150m from Christies Beach High School
• McDonald’s 200m and Hungry Jack’s 150m from Salisbury Primary School
• Hungry Jack’s 300m from Ingle Farm Primary School
• KFC and Hungry Jack’s 300m from Playford International College
• Hungry Jack’s 500m from Hackham West Primary School
• McDonald’s 900m from Para Hills High School
• McDonald’s 220m away from Reynella South School
• KFC 250m away from Aberfoyle Park High School
In 2022 Mr Simms introduced a Private Members Bill to ban junk food advertising within 500 metres of SA schools, on bus stops and railway stations and other public property.