Good planning equals a healthy community, Waldron
Author: Terry Waldron
Published on: 23-June-2011
Members of Parliament will today be encouraged to get moving and support a built environment that creates healthy active lifestyles.
US academic Professor Jim Sallis, described by Time Magazine as an ‘obesity warrior’, will present on the issue at Parliament House on behalf of the Physical Activity Taskforce.
Sport and Recreation Minister and chair of the Physical Activity Taskforce Terry Waldron said the importance of building communities and environments to promote walking, cycling and active living was vital to the long-term health of West Australians.
“With 40 per cent of adults not getting enough activity and one in four children above a healthy weight, we are paying a high price in terms of health and wellbeing that is only going to cost us more in the future.
“The Physical Activity Taskforce believes the way that communities are planned and designed can redress this, and work to support the creation of neighbourhoods that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles,” Mr Waldron said.
In Perth for one week, Professor Sallis is the Director of The Active Living Research Centre at San Diego State University and is an expert on how urban design influences health. Professor Fiona Bull, Director of UWA’s Centre for Built Environment and Health and Physical Activity Taskforce member will also attend the briefing.
Mr Waldron said MPs will also be updated on the current status of physical activity in Western Australia and the areas of focus for the taskforce since being established in 2001.
The Physical Activity Taskforce brings together the expertise of the departments of Health; Education; Sport and Recreation; Planning; Transport and the WA Local Government Association and Healthway, as well as leading academics and community representatives.
