Australian lifestyle at risk if new Federal Government fails to support parks and recreation

Australia risks losing the quality of life, for which it is renowned, if the new Federal Government fails to act immediately to protect open spaces; upgrade aquatic, recreation and spor facilities and manage urban sprawl.

Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA) Chief Executive Mark Band has warned that failure to act will place serious long-term stress on health budgets, stating "this is a national problem.

"63% per cent of Australians (are) either overweight or obese and the number is increasing.

"Not only (is) sport and recreation critical to fight obesity and improve mental and physical wellbeing, leisure also is essential to combat social isolation and strengthen communities. It also contributes to the economy through events, jobs and national and international trade."

The industry peak body representing parks and recreation professionals in Australia, the 'people behind the places', PLA members promote good use of leisure time to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits to the community.

Its members work across a range of industries, including community and urban planning, landscape design, parks and gardens, cemeteries, state and national parks, health and sports development, tourism and the arts and research and academia.

Featuring acclaimed Australian and international speakers, the PLA's upcoming annual national conference, to be held in Melbourne from 13th to 16th October, will highlight how sound planning and provision can help to protect the 'Australian way of life'.

Band explains "parks and open space add to the fabric of our society.

"They are the lungs of our community and form the focus of all great cities around the world."

Despite widespread recognition of the benefits delivered by sport and leisure, funding from government is insufficient while demand continues to grow.

Band hopes new Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, a keen athlete and keen advocate of health and wellbeing, will heed his call.

Band adds "many facilities used for sport and recreation are over 50 years old.

"There is an urgent need for all levels of government, the private sector, schools and providers to work together to ensure we have adequate infrastructure."

At the same time, open space, particularly in growth areas, must be protected and managed.

Band continues "Australia's new Federal Government could do a lot more to acknowledge the importance of open space, particularly when tackling the growing problem caused by physical inactivity.

"Developers also must contribute in a more meaningful way to provide and manage open space and parklands in new and growing communities."

The PLA highlight that parks, open space and facilities which at the grass roots level provide the foundation of Australia's sporting talents are struggling for funding.

He concludes "we are not against growth per se, but it must be planned to protect our way of life, value open space and preserve the environment.

"Developers must provide space that is usable, accessible and manageable for local authorities, who maintain it for the community.

"Now is the time to act. We will tackle the issues head on and continue to lobby government on behalf of our members to ensure that all Australians can continue to enjoy the quality of life that they need and deserve."

For more information on the PLA National Conference, 'Transforming People and Places', contact 08 8332 0130, E: admin@parksleisure.com.au, www.parksleisure.com.au/conference-information 

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