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Plans for a healthier bass coast

The Bass Coast Shire Municipal Public Health Plan (MPHP) has been adopted by Council.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 12th October 2005 - Back to News

The MPHP, named Health and Wellbeing in Bass Coast, identifies the main health issues for Bass Coast residents and an action plan to address these issues.

The development of the MPHP was achieved because of the collaboration of regional and local service providers and community representatives. The successful implementation of the MPHP relies on the ownership and participation of the partners.

Council’s Social Planner, Jeanette Draper, said the development of the Plan had challenged the way Council viewed its responsibility to the wellbeing of the community.

"Traditionally MPHPs focused on universal public health issues, with the main focus being on the prevention of infectious diseases by provision of immunisation programs, food safety and mosquito eradication.

"Whilst these are still very important, today the main health issues for the community are lifestyle illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, cancer and mental illness.

"It is clear that Council plays a very important role in the prevention of many of these illnesses, said Ms Draper.

"This may be directly as part of immunisation programs or indirectly as part of the development and maintenance of bicycle and walking tracks, which enable the community to increase their levels of physical activity.

Ms Draper said the development of the MPHP had been very comprehensive because of the need to identify and develop appropriate actions to address the health issues particular to Bass Coast.

"Council received funding to conduct research and consultation thanks to advocacy by the South Coast Health Services Consortium (SCHSC), of which Council is a member.

"A reference group including representatives from various health service organisations was also established to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the Plan.

"State government legislation requires all councils to develop a MPHP," Ms Draper advised.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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