Keeping Canberrans healthy, active and well


Released 03/06/2017

The ACT Government is investing in preventative health to ensure Canberrans remain healthy, active and well.

We will focus on key risk areas to reduce the burden of chronic health conditions in the ACT, including obesity and lack of physical activity.

Minister for Health, Meegan Fitzharris today delivered her election promise to develop Canberra’s Preventative Health Strategy and make the ACT a healthier place to be.

“This Budget establishes a $4 million funding pool over four years to deliver key initiatives and innovation in preventative health which will address risk factors associated with poor health outcomes, in particular the burden of chronic disease," Minister Fitzharris said.

The 2017-18 Budget announcement and strong commitment to preventative health coincide with the Minister’s official title change from Minister for Health, to Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

“We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all Canberrans,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“Developing a Preventative Health Strategy and investment in preventative health will help to ease the burden of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. It will help Canberrans live active and healthy lives.

“This is a key part of our 10-Year Health Plan' and I look forward to talking the community and stakeholders about this.

“This funding follows the significant investments the government has made through the Healthy Weight Initiative to support a healthy city.”

In addition to the Preventative Health Strategy, the 2017-18 Budget also includes additional funds to encourage active travel through a range of projects including:

  • $4.7 million for design and construction of the works on the Belconnen Bikeway which will connect the suburbs of Bruce, Aranda, Macquarie, Lawson, Page and Florey with the Belconnen Town Centre and nearby educational institutions.
  • $2.5 million over four years for the annual Community Paths Program covering the expansion of the shared path network in Canberra.
  • The Age Friendly Suburbs project will also be expanded with $1.5 million to deliver improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure in the suburbs of Page and Hughes. This program will look at upgrades such as safer road crossings, narrow and incomplete path segments and the installation of additional seating.
  • $20,000 to increase bike parking with the installation of 10 new locally designed bike racks. The bike racks will not only support cycling but will also contribute to the character of the area.
    The 2017 Budget will also provide a one-off grant to the Heart Foundation ACT in the order of $170,000 for the Active Living Program in 2017-18.

“The Active Living Program assists in providing better connections, and a safer, smarter, more attractive and sustainable city, which supports Canberrans to move more and prevent overweight and obesity and the associated risk of chronic diseases,” Minister Fitzharris said.

“Active travel remains one of the most efficient and effective ways to incorporate regular exercise into our daily lives, reducing the risk of chronic disease and improving our health and wellbeing.”

The Preventative Health Strategy is a Parliamentary Agreement item.

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases


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