The Eastern Health Authority (EHA) Constituent Councils (City of Burnside, Campbelltown City Council, City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, City of Prospect and Town of Walkerville) have worked together to prepare their first Public Health Plan – Better Living Better Health – in line with the requirements of the South Australian Public Health Act 2011. Public comment on the Draft Plan is now being sought.
EHA Chair Councillor Sue Whitington stated that ‘the Draft Plan embraces a regional approach to improving the health and wellbeing of the community. It identifies many existing initiatives as well as further opportunities to promote wellness, especially for those who are most vulnerable.’
Cr Whitington added ‘Better Living Better Health is about addressing the many social, economic and environmental factors which influence how happy and healthy we are as individuals and as a community. It is fitting that Local Government leads this process as so many of its functions can positively influence the liveability of the region.’
Before drafting the Plan, a large Forum was held in 2014, with participation from a wide cross- section of stakeholders to discuss public health initiatives, issues and opportunities. Three theme areas are identified in the Draft Plan and strategies are proposed for each theme area:
Environments for Health – including the built, natural and economic environmental features of the region which influence health (including transport, walkability and open space).
Capacity for Health – including lifestyle factors, community connections, access to services and community engagement.
Protecting Public Health – including immunisation, food safety, emergency management and public health services.
Cr Whitington added that ‘the spectrum of stakeholders which impact on health and wellbeing is very broad, so the Draft Plan highlights relevant organisations that contribute to public health and opportunities for a more coordinated approach.’
Feedback on the Draft Plan is encouraged. The closing date for comments is Friday 17 April 2015. More information is available on the EHA website www.eha.sa.gov.au, as well as the websites for each Council.
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