June 2007

Local projects lead to better health

A public health forum has showcased a range of funded projects in local government that are taking innovative approaches to improving health.

Baw Baw Shire is an example of a local government that is making improvements to the built environment to encourage physical activity.

The Twin Towns Trail project will create a cycle-walking trail between the townships of Warragul and Drouin for commuter, social and recreational use, to encourage physical activity and improve the fitness and health of existing and potential residents and visitors to the area.

The trail was one of more than 20 projects funded via the Municipal Public Health Planning Good Practice Program (GPP).

The public health forum showcased the projects and covered topics such as Health and Social Impact Assessment, built environment research, environments for active living, integrated planning and indicator development and evaluation.

The forum also included a presentation from Professor Evelyne de Leeuw on the statewide evaluation of the public health planning Environments for Health framework.

The evaluation found Environments for Health has been a success in demonstrating how the built, natural, social and economic environments have a significant effect on the way people live and behave.

A publication with case studies from the MPHP Good Practice Program was also launched at the forum.

The publication draws on experiences of local governments in the last three rounds of the Good Practice Program and showcases the breadth and depth of work in local government.

It has practical examples of how local governments contribute to health promotion and demonstrates the challenges faced by local health planners introducing change in practice and culture.

Presentations from the forum and the case studies publication can be found at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/localgov/forum_enviro.htm. 

The evaluation of the Environments for Health Framework undertaken by Deakin University is also available at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/localgov/mphpfr/eval.htm.