Environmental Design and Public Health in Victoria

Yesterday the Parliamentary Inquiry into Environmental Design and Public Health in Victoria, tabled their report in the Legislative Council.  To view the report click here.

"This report explores the compelling evidence linking ...public health challenges to the planning and design of our urban environments. We know that there are a range of health benefits from designing environments that encourage physical activity through walking, cycling and using public transport. We know that open space and green areas not only provide opportunities for physical activity but also benefit mental health. We are also increasingly aware that the style of sprawling low density, car‐oriented residential development that characterised Victorian urban fringe areas in the past can be a barrier to people making healthy lifestyle choices.

This report emphasises the importance of considering health in the design of our communities, such as: creating environments that promote physical exercise and social interaction; providing access to healthy, fresh food; facilitating access to green and other open public spaces; and ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in the built environment.  Such health‐promoting elements can be purposely designed into the built environment, or, as is too often the case, designed out."