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Development & Active Living: Designing Projects For Active Living

A Development Assessment Resource & Navigational Tool
James Lette, BBC Consulting Planners & Dr Danny Wiggins
for the Premier’s Council for Active Living NSW, June 2010

There is clear evidence that participation in regular physical activity has substantial positive impacts on our health and economy, reducing the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, colon and breast cancer, depression and falls. The direct costs attributable to physical inactivity of these conditions are estimated to exceed $1.5 billion nationally a year. Aside from the savings to the health system, active communities are likely to be more connected, to participate more in community activities, to be more productive, and to reduce the environmental impacts of car dependence.1

For State and National Governments, providing supportive environments for Active Living will promote healthy communities, reducing the health budget. At the local government level such actions will encourage community activity, improve amenity and generate economic growth. For the development industry, supportive environments and the active lifestyles they promote will increasingly be a selling point.

Some of the changes required are relatively simple and can be required through the development assessment process. Do streets have footpaths and are they in good repair? Are there pedestrian facilities so that people can safely cross the road? Are there seats along walking routes so that people can rest if they need to? Is there enough lighting in public places and do the lights work? Are there secure bicycle storage facilities at public transport stops and workplaces? Do workplaces provide shower and change room facilities for staff? Do workplaces promote staff participation in physical activities such as walking groups and lunch-time recreational games? Do our beaches, coastline, parks and bushland have trails to promote walking and cycling?

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