Released 06/01/2017
Canberrans making New Year’s resolutions to be more active by tracking their steps with a Fitbit or Garmin are being encouraged to use their footsteps to plan the future of Canberra.
The ACTive Community Project, supported by a $150,000 grant from the ACT Government’s CBR Innovation Development Fund, uses data from activity trackers to examine physical activity patterns to shape the future planning of our city.
“I’m pleased to say the ACTive Community Project is already tracking 890 Canberrans across 50 suburbs, and we want even more Canberrans to get involved. Not only will the data help to shape our city planning, but it’s a fun way to get active as well,” Minister for Higher Education, Training and Research Meegan Fitzharris said.
Launched in October 2016, the ACTive Community Project is a collaborative project between the University of Canberra Health Research Institute and Data61. It is the first ACT-wide study involving activity tracker users.
“So far, 300,000 days of data had been received, and I’m delighted that the average number of steps achieved per day is 10,047, meaning participants are meeting the recommended daily step target,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“The most steps achieved have been in Watson, Dickson and Palmerston, and I would like to encourage Canberrans from all suburbs to get involved.”
“By studying the data from the activity trackers, researchers can also identify lifestyle behavioral risk-factors for the prevention of chronic disease, for example type 2 diabetes and heart disease. “
Canberrans can be assured that no personal identity information is recorded, as researchers will only use and collate activity data into groups and examine how work, home and neighbourhood environments can impact on people’s health.
“The ACTive Community Project really showcases why the CBR Innovation Development Fund was developed,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“The fund encourages collaboration between business and industry to strengthen and support Canberra’s innovation ecosystem as well as enhancing collaboration and broadening access to services and resources.”
The ACTive Community Project data collection finishes in June 2017. Canberrans can play their part in helping to shape our city by registering to be part of this project at: activecommunity.com.au
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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