A Plan for Better Living and Better Health in the Eastern Region

Working with the Eastern Health Authority (EHA) Constituent Councils of Burnside, Campbelltown, Prospect, Norwood Payneham & St Peters and Walkerville, Healthy Environs developed the region’s first Public Health Plan. This regional approach built on the existing successful collaboration for shared environmental health services through EHA as well as the initiatives of the Eastern Region Alliance.

The region comprises established suburbs adjacent to the CBD extending to newer suburbs in the foothills and features key natural assets, a rich history and high quality urban environment. The preparation of Better Living Better Health was considered timely in view of the changes proposed in the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide, highlighting the importance of integrated planning and development ensuring liveability and vitality and the opportunity to improve health and wellbeing outcomes as part of this. The Plan therefore addresses the many social, economic and environmental factors which influence how healthy and happy we are and how so many Council functions can affect liveability and state of health. It is hoped that the Plan will increase understanding of Council’s role in this area in the wider community. As part of the planning process a regional stakeholder consultation forum was held to map out better ways of working together to improve wellbeing, particularly for the most vulnerable. Around 70 representatives from a range of government, non government, community and health services participated. A framework is provided in the Plan for each Council and potential Partner Authority to integrate the strategies into their own strategic plans.