Maroondah plans a healthy future

The Plan was developed in consultation with health and community service providers throughout the municipality.

Mayor Peter Gurr said Maroondah residents would benefit from the Plan which aims to achieve an optimal state of health and well-being for the local community.

‘Maroondah City Council is proud of the enhanced health outcomes achieved through the initial Health Plan in 1997 and is pleased to be working in partnership with service providers and the community to implement the upgrade and extension of the Health Plan for the next three years,’ said Cr Gurr.

The Maroondah Health Planning Network, chaired by Cr Gurr, was instrumental in the review of the Health Plan and is responsible for ensuring implementation of the recommended strategies.

Cr Gurr said the feedback of residents was incorporated in the review process following public display of the draft document.

‘The Maroondah Municipal Health Plan is therefore a document that is ‘owned’ by the residents and the health and community service providers of Maroondah. We all have a role to play in building a healthier community,’ said Cr Gurr.

As a result of the review, the Maroondah Health Planning Network will now have a more collaborative service planning role.

‘The Network will establish working groups to steer major projects and ensure that strategies are well-targeted and meet the needs of the community,’ said Cr Gurr.

Updated health priorities for the City of Maroondah were identified from an examination of the health status of the Maroondah community.

The health profile looked at deaths, illness and injury and findings from consultations with a wide range of local health service providers, Council and the Department of Human Services.

The Health Plan indicates priority health issues are heart attacks, tobacco related illnesses, injuries from falls, mental health, skin cancer and drug use.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Matt Viney, representatives of Maroondah’s health and community service providers and Maroondah City Councillors, Directors and staff attended the launch of the Plan.