The Victorian State Government has released the state's first ever Public Health and Wellbeing Plan which aims to address the state's increasing rates of chronic and preventable diseases.

 

The  Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015  outlines an agenda in improving health and wellbeing across the state in the next four years with a specific focus on preventative measures.

 

"We need to ensure Victorians are better informed about healthier lifestyles, and that individuals and families have the resources to take the necessary steps for keeping well," the Victorian Minister for Health and Ageing David Davis said.

 

The release of the plan coincides a study which found almost half of Victorian adults are overweight or obese with the figure expected to surpass 50 per cent of the Victorian adult population within two years if the current trend continues.

About 25 per cent of children are overweight or obese, a massive increase from five per cent in the 1960s.

 

Mr Davis said the aim of the plan is to achieve lasting improvements in the health of all Victorians, with a particular focus on the needs of those who are worse off and experiencing poorer health than others in our community.

 

"The plan looks to build a state-wide prevention system complementary to the healthcare system that will be more effective, better coordinated, more responsive and sustainable over the longer term," Mr Davis said.

 

The State Government has recently announced a new preventative health initiative for children, including a new Victorian Healthy Eating Advisory Service.

 

Mr Davis said the plan will focus on a local approach, aimed at encouraging local governments to uptake the recommendations made within the plan.

 

"Negotiations are underway with the 14 local government areas who will be provided with funding over the next four years to work in partnership with the Government on new chronic disease prevention activities tailored to meet the needs of their local community," Mr Davis said.

 

"The plan complements and will contribute to the National Partnership Agreement in Victoria. It will inform the application of state and Commonwealth funding in these areas and is a supporting document to the Health Plan Framework."

 

Mr Davis said future challenges in prevention range from adverse trends in lifestyle-related behaviours such as a decline in the consumption of fruit and vegetables, to broader trends such as population growth and ageing.

 

"The Plan aims to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians by engaging communities in prevention, and by strengthening systems for health protection, health promotion, and preventive health care across all sectors and levels of government.

 

Mr Davis announced in Parliament that consultations had taken place with key non-government organisations including the Heart Foundation, The Cancer Council and Diabetes Australia.

 

The State Public Health and Wellbeing Plan is available now at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/prevention/vphwplan