Monitoring South Australia’s outdoor fitness equipment usage secures funding

South Australian projects focusing on improving health and fitness are among the initiatives to have received funding through the latest round of the Local Government Research and Development Scheme.

One of the funded projects, being led by University of South Australia, will involve monitoring usage of outdoor fitness equipment.

It will involve tracking usage data of fitness equipment in several metropolitan and regional council areas, including user patterns and preferences, which can be used to inform future planning decisions and lead to improved outcomes for all councils across South Australia.

University of South Australia project lead Dr Alyson Crozier said using an evidence-based approach when purchasing outdoor fitness equipment would ensure councils are making the best choices informed by user feedback.

Dr Crozier noted “more than 200 free-to-use outdoor fitness equipment stations have been installed by councils across South Australia to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

“However, there is limited information about which machines are being used most by community members, and how they’re being used.

“We know purchasing these machines has a cost, so councils need to be confident they’re investing in equipment they know is popular, functional and will be used regularly by their residents and visitors, rather than sit dormant.

“Through this project, we hope to track and share data that councils can use to make informed decisions about the type of outdoor fitness equipment they install in future, leading to even better planned spaces being created for communities to use and enjoy.

“We’re excited to get started and appreciate the funding support we’ve received through the Local Government Research and Development Scheme to bring this initiative to life.”

The monitoring usage of outdoor fitness equipment project is among nine new projects supporting local councils that will share in nearly $500,000 to fast-track solutions and help build stronger communities. Other projects included addressing regional staff shortages and tackling pest birds in South Australia.

LGA South Australia Chief Executive Clinton Jury said significant interest in the funding program highlighted its importance and the demand for resources to drive local innovation.

Jury noted “The Local Government Research and Development Scheme is unique to South Australia and the latest funding round was highly competitive, with 37 applications seeking almost $2.5 million.

“The successful projects address issues such as health and wellbeing, workforce attraction, social inclusion and sustainable practices, all of which are important to local government and communities.

“I congratulate this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing these initiatives in action and making a positive difference across the state.”

To be eligible for funding, projects had to demonstrate clear long-term benefits and address future local government needs in the areas of climate and environment, community wellbeing and inclusion, planning and infrastructure, financial sustainability or building sector capability.

Each year the Local Government Research and Development Scheme delivers up to $2 million for innovative projects which benefit South Australian councils and help tackle sector-wide challenges.

To learn more about all nine projects funded through the latest Local Government Research and Development Scheme round, visit: www.lga.sa.gov.au/research

Image: LGA South Australia Chief Executive Clinton Jury and UniSA Dr Alyson Crozier