Physical activity has been defined by the World Health Organisation as "all movements in everyday life, including work, recreation, exercise and sporting activities". Being physically active is important for mental, physical, and social health and wellbeing. Insufficient physical activity accounts for 7 per cent of the total burden of disease in Australia. Many diseases are associated with lack of physical activity. These include heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, and some cancers. The recommended daily requirement of moderate physical activity for children and young people is one hour per day, and for adults it is at least 30 minutes per day.

Social and economic changes over the past few decades have contributed to adults and children being less active. Higher levels of car ownership, more spread out cities and suburbs, more forms of passive entertainment and electronic gaming, labour saving devices in the home and workplace, increased road traffic, concerns about children's safety on our streets - are just some of the things contributing to a reduction in physical activity.

The design of our cities and neighbourhoods can promote or limit the levels of physical activity of its residents. For example, safe and connected footpaths, and bike tracks are important for walking and cycling around neighbourhoods to access schools, shops, services, parks and recreation facilities.

For older people and people with chronic illness or disability, there are additional limitations to being physical active which need to be considered when we plan programs, facilities or projects.

Promoting Active Transport

One strategy for increasing physical activity is to increase the use of Active Transport. Active transport is any form of transport that involves being physically active, more specifically walking and cycling. It also includes skateboarding and rollerblading.

With funding support from VicHealth, Frankston City Council has been working with primary schools across the municipality to support school communities by finding ways of increasing active transport to and from school. As well as the health benefits of walking and cycling to school, communities benefit from less traffic congestion, less car emissions, and increased social connection within the school community. Not only is it a great local strategy for reducing childhood obesity, it also contributes to a healthier environment and a safer, more connected neighbourhood.

Promoting Physical Activity in Frankston City is one of three priority issues in the new Frankston Health and Wellbeing Plan, which will be aunched in June, 2007. The plan will set out key actions that Frankston City Council will implement in partnership with the community to promote active transport and physical activity in Frankston City from 2007-2010.

For more information please contact Council's Health Promotion Officer - Active Transport on 9784 1022 (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)