Public Health Plan

The Town of Mosman Park is developing a local Public Health Plan.

What is the purpose of a Local Public Health Plan?

The Public Health Act requires each local government to produce a public health plan that applies to its local district.

A local plan must be consistent with the State Public Health Plan whilst responding to local public health risks. The plan must:

• Identify the public health needs of the local government district
• Include an examination of data relating to health status and health determinants in the local government district
• Establish objectives and policy priorities for the promotion and protection of public health in the local government district
• Describe the development and delivery of public health services in the local government district and
• Include a report on the local government’s performance of its functions under the Act

From 4 June 2024, Stage 5 Public Health Act 2016 will be implemented in several phases.

Phase 5A includes the implementation of a state Public Health Plan. Local governments will also need to create a local public health plan that is consistent with the State plan. These must be prepared and published by 4 June 2026. These plans ensure that public health is effectively promoted and protected.

The Town of Mosman Park acknowledges its role in the promotion of community health and wellbeing as a part of core business in addition to maintaining its statutory public health role. This engagement is taking place to support the delivery of the plan ahead of its statutory timeframe, allowing a a more in depth and phased engagement approach.

You will have multiple opportunities to have your say!

What is the role of local government in public health?

video source: Government of Western Australia, Department of Health

Local governments are often considered to be ‘closest to the people’ not only because of the range of services they provide to various local community groups, but also because of the effect of these services on community health and wellbeing.

Local government looks after a variety of programs and services that all have a big impact on the communities health. These services generally include:

• Infrastructure and property services, including local roads, footpaths, drainage, and waste collection management
• Provision of recreation facilities, such as parks, sports fields and their club rooms, golf courses, public function halls and public toilets
• Health services such as recreational and aquatic water sampling and food inspection, immunisation services and noise control
• Community services, such as community events, community safety, and ranger services
• Planning and Building Services including strategic development, planning and building approvals and compliance
• Administration of facilities such as parking, parks and gardens maintenance
• Cultural facilities and services, such as our Grove library and Memorial Hall.

A new Public Health movement is happening

There is a new direction in health planning that calls for a more integrated approach to all of the above services, facilities, programs we currently have in place.

It asks Local Government to consider how we can have greater impact on:

• chronic disease prevention such as obesity and smoking
• improving lifestyle factors such as physical activity, our nutrition and mental health issues
• reducing lifestyle factors such as alcohol and drug use and communicable diseases

How a Public Health Plan benefits the community?

It is our vision that the Town responds to and collaborates with the community on the key health priorities that matter to you.

We need your feedback on what you think are your barriers to improving your physical and mental wellbeing so we can design and deliver (with appropriate funding) health education and programs that matter to you.

We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with our schools, community groups and service providers to continue the great work that they already do for their students, members and clients.