ALCOHOL use, road safety and having access to fresh fruit and vegetables are among the issues to be addressed as part of a public health plan being developed by the Shire of Northam.
The shire is one of the first regional local governments in the state to develop such a plan, and certainly one of the first in the Wheatbelt region.
The plan will identify Northam’s environmental and public health risks and ways to manage them, in partnership with the community and other agencies.
A survey, available on the Shire of Northam’s website, asks residents about their health concerns from farm safety to affordable housing and getting active, as well as some personal health issues and what they value about living in Northam.
The survey provides an opportunity for residents to suggest ways the council could improve their and their family’s health and wellbeing.
Shire of Northam chief executive Jason Whiteaker said the shire would also review data on issues such as chronic disease, smoking, alcohol as well as looking at ways to provide traditional environmental health protection services.
A key strategy in the plan will include the Shire of Northam leading by example and ensuring healthy employees and policies.
“Public health will be everyone’s responsibility,” Mr Whiteaker said.
The plan will highlight public health needs as outlined by community members who complete the survey, as well as other organisations in the community.
“It is too early to tell exactly what issues the plan will address but based on local data, it seems the plan will address obesity, mental health, getting people active, alcohol issues and road safety,” Mr Whiteaker said.
“But the local knowledge and needs of the residents is an important part of developing the plan and its strategies, so everyone is encouraged to complete it.”