Sarah Oliver
A plan aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Moorabool residents has been adopted by council.
The Health and Wellbeing Plan focuses on the next four years and was developed in consultation with the community.
The plan focuses on six key areas: food, mental health, being active, reducing harmful addictions, liveability and safety.
Each key area was developed after thorough consultation with the public, as well as community partners including health, justice and community organisations.
In a statement, mayor Tom Sullivan said that health and wellbeing is at the heart of the Moorabool community.
“This plan has been developed based on key data, consultation and engagement with local community members, organisations and service providers to ensure that the health of our community remains strong and progressive,” Cr Sullivan said.
“As a growing community, it is imperative that council develops a plan that reflects the current challenges faced by our community, particularly given the stress that the global COVID-19 pandemic has placed on individuals and families.”
‘The food we eat’ area refers to the consumption of food in the community, reducing foods such as sugary drinks, and increasing education surrounding healthy eating habits.
‘Healthy minds’ was seen as a high priority area and will include developing youth mental health and social connection, service gaps, accessibility, and advocacy and inclusiveness for diverse communities.
The third key area of ‘being active’ will involve increased physical activity for all ages, more opportunities for women and girls to be active, provide safety and increase accessibility for participation in physical activity and promote active travel.
‘Reducing harmful addictions’ will mostly focus on awareness, education and advocacy about addictions, as well as enforcement related to tobacco and policy development regarding gambling.
For ‘liveability’, the plan will endeavour to advocate and raise awareness to improve community resilience to extreme weather events and enable people to live environmentally consciously.
Including strategies to prevent violence and promote gender equality fall under the key area of ‘keeping ourselves safe’.
Implementation of the plan will be undertaken by the Health and Wellbeing Advisory Committee.
Details: www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/health-wellbeing-plan
