Healthier local and regional communities

The Australian Federal Government has announced the first 12 Local Government Areas that will receive funding under its $72 million Healthy Communities Initiative.

The grants flow from the first round of funding under the Australian Government's Healthy Communities Initiative, and further rounds are expected later in 2010 and again in 2011.

The Initiative will enable some of the most disadvantaged and at risk communities to experience the benefits that come from healthier lifestyles and healthy eating. The Initiative also recognises the critical role local government plays in supporting the delivery of national health objectives at the local level.

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President Councillor Geoff Lake has previously welcomed the Healthy Communities Initiative, noting that it is critical that health funding help encourage people to be fit and active if we are to reverse the high levels of lifestyle-related chronic disease in our communities.

The link between well-maintained local community infrastructure and better health outcomes for all Australians is also critical. ALGA continues to advocate strongly for the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program to be extended beyond 30th June 2010 so that ageing community infrastructure, which includes sporting facilities and bike paths, can be renewed.

Local government is also aware of the importance to communities of the broader health reform agenda, and ALGA looks forward to working with the Prime Minister, Minister Roxon and the states on these reforms.

3rd June 2009 - LEISURE AT THE HEART OF COUNCIL STIMULUS PROJECTS