Some readers might be somewhat intrigued by the proposition that planners and (urban) planning has much to contribute to healthy lifestyles and outcomes for the community in general. This might particularly be the reaction of many when the proposition does not relate to the juxtaposition of noxious industry and residential land uses. However, I am wondering just how many planners out there in government or private consultancy would be surprised by the proposition the planners can and do impact on the general health of the broader community. Certainly, by now, I’m confident it won’t be the vast majority of planners.

Back in 1999 the Victorian Division of the Planning Institute, in its presentation to the ResCode Advisory Committee, highlighted the nexus between urban infrastructure and the extent to which people tended to choose to walk, cycle or drive to meet their various transport and recreational needs. The Institute’s submission, informed by research undertaken by, inter alia, the Heart Foundation and DHS, highlighted the significant social and financial costs of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease (e.g. the latter, alone, costing Australia in the order of $3.7billion each year). The Institute further argued that it was important to consider the cost of getting people better against costs associated with key infrastructure and land use patterns that research has shown encourages people to be more active their daily routine.

By now, many readers will be aware this research is the basis for the Heart Foundation’s SEPA Program (Supportive Environments for Physical Activity) among others. That program highlights the importance of giving people great footpaths and cycle paths, local destinations and a sense of community spirit that supports the individual and ensures they will feel safe and comfortable in the public realm, should they choose to go for a walk.

Then, in November 2001 as part of PIA’s Planning week, more than 150 planners and heath workers squeezed into the over-subscribed Planning and Health forum. Since then, PIA (Vic) and Dept Human Services have jointly auspiced several Planning and Health forums around Melbourne and regional Victoria, to the point where now, a conservative estimate would be some 1000 planners and health officers, mostly based in local government, having attended these forums.

In the course of this period of change and growing awareness amongst planners, PIA (Victoria) has developed a close working relationship with VicHealth, both organisations seeing the benefits of a more co-ordinated, collaborative approach to achieving their respective goals that generally aim at fostering healthier lifestyles and more efficient urban patterns than are currently typical of most Australian cities and towns.

This closer relationship between PIA (Victoria) and VicHealth has been formalised and supported by a grant of $60,000 by VicHealth to support a joint Planning for Health program, facilitated by the appointment of a Planning for Health Project Officer in a half time position. Stephanie Knox was appointed to the position. Stephanie, a qualified planner, has extensive experience in planning (particularly social and strategic), a thorough appreciation of issues and opportunities around planning practice and heath outcomes, and established links with local government planning.

Bernadette George, BG Urban Solutions, Planning for Health Project Convenor 2002-2004.