Municipal Public Health Planning Framework

< back to contents | next page>

Foreword

Successful local public health strategies lead to prevention and reduction of disease and disability, and to the creation of communities and environments in which people can lead productive and rewarding lives.

This document presents a framework for public health planning by Victorian local governments that will help communities achieve maximum health and wellbeing.

The Public Health Division of the Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association, local governments and other stakeholders, has developed "Environments for Health." This new framework for municipal public health planning incorporates an awareness of the social, economic, natural and built environments and their impact on health and wellbeing. It encourages municipal public health planning of a high standard and consistency in scope and approach across the State, while still valuing diversity. Importantly, it is also aimed at improving community health and wellbeing by promoting the integration of Municipal Public Health Plans as an essential component of municipal corporate planning.

This framework has been developed with the assistance of a skilled reference group, representing stakeholders from the field and from policy development areas. It has been further enhanced by an extensive consultation process, including forums across the State and written submissions.

We encourage you to use this document in the development of your Municipal Public Health Plan and to communicate its principles to all relevant stakeholders. Comments on the content and usefulness of this framework are welcome.

Rob Spence, Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Association of Victoria.

Professor John Catford, Director Public Health and Chief Health Officer, Department of Human Services.

< back to contents | next page>

top of page