Plan prescribes pathway for healthier Albany
Explore Councils by state
21 May 2019
Addressing health inequalities in our community and adding value to the services provided by other agencies is the focus of the City of Albany’s updated Public Health Plan, launched today.
One of the first regional local governments in WA to adopt a Public Health Plan in 2016, the City has since built on a successful partnership with the WA Country Health Service to deliver health and wellbeing initiatives in the community.
This has included the adoption of a Smoke Free Outdoors Policy, building the capacity of local sporting clubs to adopt healthy canteen choices, ensuring healthier options are part of the menu offering at the City’s community events, and the Active Albany program run through Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.
The updated Public Health Plan (2018-2022) has been the result of a mid-term review of the pre-existing five-year strategy as a result of the ongoing partnership. The revised plan provides a vehicle to continue to build on the health promotion focus and capacity, supported by a high-level Public Health Advisory Group comprised of various health, education and regional agencies.
Albany Mayor and Chairperson of the Advisory Group Dennis Wellington said the updated Plan, which aligns with the City of Albany’s Community Strategic Plan and the State Interim Health Plan, identifies strategies to reduce public health risks and address some of the biggest health issues affecting our community.
“Having a healthy community makes for a wealthy community as our good health is our greatest asset and something we need to not only treasure but work hard to nurture and improve,” he said. “We’ve been working to take important steps towards a healthier future for our residents and combatting chronic disease and poor lifestyle habits is crucial to achieving this.
“But there are many complex issues facing our community today such as mental wellbeing and resilience in the face of public health emergencies, so it’s not as straight forward as just getting people to eat their two and five fruit and vegetables.”
Mayor Wellington said implementation of the revised Plan and its strategies would require a whole-of-community effort and he was looking forward to continued collaboration to steer Albany towards a well, active and resilient community.
A copy of the Public Health Plan is available to view on the City of Albany website http://albany.wa.gov.au/residents/health/health-services-for-residents/