WYNDHAM Council is encouraging residents to turn off the television, get off the couch and walk or cycle every day to create a healthier community.
The council has released a draft strategy aimed to address the leisure needs of each suburb to promote healthy living and exercise.
The strategy recommends that the council develop an ‘Active Wyndham’ program spruiking the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
The strategy follows the release of state government data last year which showed more than half of Wyndham’s adults are overweight, leading to an increase in diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Deputy mayor Marie Brittan said the strategy was designed to address the demands of residents by expanding walking and cycling trails, developing new sporting grounds and facilities, creating more parks and events such as community picnics.
“As Wyndham continues to grow and emerge, leisure activities are crucial to helping shape and build a sense of identity and strengthening people’s social connections with others in their local neighbourhoods. These are important foundations for healthy, strong and resilient communities,” Cr Brittan said.
The strategy’s recommendations are based on community feedback, including responses to a survey in which 435 people were asked about their leisure habits. The research found 74 per cent of residents walked for pleasure, while 53 per cent visited a local park regularly.
Golf was the most popular sport in the municipality, followed by tennis, soccer, netball and football.
The strategy includes recommendations for leisure facilities in each suburb, including walking trails and BMX parks in Point Cook, and investigating the need for a swimming pool in the next five years.
The draft strategy is available for comment at wyndham.vic.gov.au until May 30.
