Working with local councils

We work with mid north coast local councils (Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Valley Shire, Bellingen Shire and Coffs Harbour City) to support the creation of healthier built environments through a range of ways, including:

• organising workshops on evidence-based information about creating healthy built environments.
• advocating for key design features to be incorporated in key strategic planning documents.
• collaborating on health-promoting initiatives across the mid north coast.

There are 8 design features of the built environment that can make it easier for us to be more active with improved health outcomes:  

• public open space
• community facilities
• building destinations
• movement networks
• housing diversity
• sense of place
• healthy food.

• The Healthy Active by Design website provides the best-available evidence, practical advice, checklists and case studies to help with the development of healthy neighbourhoods and communities that promote walking, cycling and physical activity. 

• NSW Health has developed a Healthy Built Environment Checklist. This Checklist is a practical tool to deliver quality environments that are well-connected and liveable.