Mayor’s goal is for a more active Region

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Mayor Paul Antonio has revealed a primary goal for this Council term is to improve the health of our Region by encouraging the community to get more active.

Mayor Antonio said a Queensland Health Report**published in May 2019 highlighted that the Darling Downs area held the title of the highest adult overweight and obesity rate in the Queensland, and this is one title I want to lose.

“During this unique time, it is important to stay active despite working from home, self-isolating and social distancing,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Our Toowoomba Region is one of the most liveable places in Australia, and our surroundings are encouragement enough to get out and explore.

“Even COVID-19 restrictions allow individuals to be outside and active. The weather is perfect, and our 425 Council maintained parks, 634kms of shared pathways, 56kms of bike lanes as well as our many bush tracks and trails remain open to the public.

“My goal for this Council term is that our Toowoomba Region leads the way towards creating a healthy and active community.

“Last year Council endorsed the Sport, Active Recreation and Healthy Living (SARHL) Plan that sets out the Region’s vision, goals and actions on sport, active recreation and healthy living from 2019 to 2026.

“The SARHL Plan complements other Council action’s that encourage health and wellbeing of our community, including the CHANGE program, Sustainable Transport Strategy, ‘Green.IS’ and Council’s membership of ‘Walk21’, the International Charter on Walking.

“Together, these with other Council strategies help to set the conditions that help our community lead healthy and active lifestyles.

“For individuals, being active can be as simple as just a walk in the park, whether it is by yourself, or with a family member or with a friend at a healthy social distance.

“During this unprecedented time of closures, it is essential that we remain active to maintain both physical and mental health.

“It is particularly important during this time; regular physical activity can boost immune function and help to manage the stress experienced during this uncertain time.

“For those now working from home, I would encourage you to use the time typically spent commuting to take a walk instead or do some fitness activities in the backyard or at your local park.

“There are plenty of resources online that help the community continue to keep active, as well as guides to healthy eating and general wellness strategies.

“Please make sure that you only use online resources developed by qualified practitioners or organisations, such as Queensland Health or the Heart Foundation.

“The restrictions of the coronavirus will pass, and I look forward to our Region coming out the other side as a more active and healthy community.”

To explore one of our local parks go to http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/parks-gardens/parks-by-location

To discover our Region’s walks and trails go to http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/component/content/article/walks-trails/sportrecreation/227-where-to-walk

For CHANGE Project, sport and recreation updates subscribe to Council’s Activate Newsletter at www.tr.qld.gov.au/subscribe

For extra resources to help the community to be more healthy and active, please visit:

Queensland Health - https://www.healthier.qld.gov.au/

Heart Foundation - https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/

** Changes in weight status of children and adults in Queensland and Australia, 2017-18 prevalence and jurisdiction differences - https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/842039/weight-status-nhs-2017-18.pdf