Why Are Childcare Centres Still Being Built on Busy Roads?

🚦 Why Are Childcare Centres Still Being Built on Busy Roads?

When choosing childcare in Karrinyup, many families focus on programs and facilities — but the location of a centre and the air children breathe each day can be just as important.

The Age, July 29, 2019 reported growing international and Australian research linking traffic pollution with childhood asthma and allergies.

Key findings from health researchers included:

  • There are no safe thresholds for exposure to traffic pollution.

  • Children are especially vulnerable, with developing lungs and more outdoor time.

  • Every small increase in long-term exposure to car exhaust increases the risk of childhood asthma.

  • In Melbourne, over 10% of childcare centres are located within 60 metres of major roads carrying more than 20,000 cars daily.

  • Some centres are as close as 15 metres from eight-lane highways.

California has introduced strict guidelines: no new schools within 150 metres of major roads. In contrast, Victoria — and much of Australia — has no such protections.

🌞 What This Means for Families

The evidence is clear: building childcare centres close to high-traffic roads puts children at greater risk of asthma and respiratory illness. This is especially concerning when play areas face directly onto highways, or when centres are placed in truck-heavy industrial corridors.

Children’s lung health has lifelong consequences — from asthma in childhood to cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Families deserve better than centres squeezed onto polluted sites.

🌳 The Karrinyup Difference

At Karrinyup Early Learning Centre, families can feel confident their children are cared for in a quiet, fresh-air location away from busy roads. Children here spend their days in large natural gardens at ground level, with trees, sunshine, and clean air.

As we approach our 10-year anniversary, we’re proud to remain a boutique, community-based service that puts children’s health and wellbeing first.

📌 Takeaway for Parents

When choosing childcare, ask:

  • Is the centre close to a major road or truck route?

  • Will my child spend their days breathing clean air or traffic fumes?

At Karrinyup ELC, the answer is simple: real gardens, safe design, and fresh air every day.

Menu