Public Health Plan creates healthier communities

The three-year Public Health Plan, launched in 2014, enables the City and its partners to create healthier communities by providing opportunities for healthy living, physical activity and healthier environments.

Mayor Tracey Roberts said the Plan had become part of the fabric of the City’s operations.

“Enabling residents to lead a healthy lifestyle is an immense challenge to all levels of governments, but within 12 months we have managed to implement an active network of programs and support,” she said.

“These gains are a reflection of strong community and business partnerships – with every stakeholder working together to provide residents with a range of wellbeing programs, changes to policy and supportive environments.”

Key initiatives introduced in the Plan’s first year included:

• Your Move – a behavioural change program to encourage active lifestyles and use of public transport
• Scores on Doors – a food business rating program to enable consumers to make informed choices
• Working to remove alcohol advertising from bus shelters – a first for a Western Australian local government
• Adoption of a community gardens policy to support self-managed community gardens.
• Adoption of a healthy food and beverage policy

“It is important that our community is given the opportunities to easily access healthy choices, and I believe that, with the help of our partners, we are actively leading the way in this,” Mayor Roberts said.

Earlier this month, the City of Wanneroo was also recognised for its work in creating environments that protect and support the health of children. The City was presented with a prize at the Western Australia’s fifth annual Local Government Children’s Environment and Health Awards, winning the Healthy and Safe Food category and a Commendation for the Planning Healthy Communities for Children category.

Year two of the Plan is now underway, which will see the introduction of many more health and wellbeing initiatives for the benefit of residents. 

To find out more visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au or contact the Healthy Communities team on 9405 5000.