Municipal Public Health Plan
What Is Health And Wellbeing And How Is It Planned For By Monash Council?
"...a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without discrimination of race, religion, political belief or economic and social conditions".
The social model of health acknowledges that optimal health and wellbeing is determined by factors other than an individual's genetics and biology. It recognises that factors such as access to health services and facilities, job security, opportunities to engage in a safe and attractive physical environment and community events, and the availability of clean air, food and water, combine to support individuals in their quest for maximum health and wellbeing.
In 2006 the Victorian Minister for Health adopted the following seven statewide health priority issues . The State Government proposes that agencies and organisations align their local health promotion programs and planning activities to these priority issues.
- Promoting physical activity and active communities;
- Promoting accessible and nutritious food;
- Promoting mental health and wellbeing;
- Reducing tobacco-related harm;
- Reducing and minimising harm from alcohol and other drugs;
- Safe environments to prevent unintentional injury; and
- Sexual and reproductive health.
Municipal public health plans are an integral part of the local government strategic planning framework. While the principles and strategic actions contained within municipal public health plans relate specifically to enhancing community health and wellbeing, they also inform and are informed by other key documents that guide a city's economic and physical growth and development. The strategic actions identified in the Monash Municipal Public Health Plan 2007-2010 emphasise Council's role as a provider and facilitator of public health programs, and integrate national, state and regional health priorities with the needs and aspirations of the local community.
Planning for health and wellbeing in Monash involves much more than simply fulfilling legislative requirements. Monash Council is committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of all those who live, work or study in the municipality. This commitment is reflected in both Monash 2012 - A Strategy for the Future and the Monash Council Plan 2006-2010. The principles and strategic objectives described in these documents formed the framework for developing the health priorities and strategic actions identified in the Monash Municipal Public Health Plan 2007-2010.
Figure 2 – Monash Council's Integrated Strategic Planning Framework
2 World Health Organisation (1994), Constitution
3 Department of Human Services, State Government of Victoria.
(September 2006) Health Promotion Priority Setting 2007-12. Update 2
Published: 9 August 2007
[ Up: Public Health Plan | Forward: Community Health Profile ]