City releases health and wellbeing plan for comment

THE City of Greater Geelong has released a draft version of its Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan for the next four years for community consultation.

The draft plan has been informed by consultation with the community through an online and paper based survey, facilitated community focus groups and surveys for local early childhood and educational facilities.

In developing the plan, a review of health data for the region revealed the characteristics and challenges faced by the Greater Geelong community, including:

• 96 per cent of adults said they feel safe walking alone during the day
• More than 80 per cent of residents can get help from family or friends if needed
• 71 per cent of adults attended a local community event (higher than the Victorian average of 58 per cent)
• 49 per cent of residents are classified as obese or pre-obese
• Four per cent of residents ran out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more at some stage during the past 12 months, and
• Reported incidents of family violence increased by 59 per cent in the past five years.

The plan outlines the city’s goals and strategies to maximise the community’s health and wellbeing and ensure the greatest improvements are realised among those who need it most.

Following the community consultation period, the comments will be reviewed and adjustments made for final adoption by the council in 2018.

“Some of the statistics revealed in the development of this plan are very positive, but others are worrying,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“Geelong has a number of community agencies to assist those who are disadvantaged, particularly when addressing the issue of food shortages. While this is a complex problem, the council is committed to helping wherever we can.

“On the plus side, it is great to see such a high percentage of our residents attending community events. These are a great way to build social connections, and can have a big impact on mental health and wellbeing.”

Community members can read the draft plan and have their say at geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay.