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Municipal Public Health Plan

Community Health Profile

Information derived from the Monash Health and Wellbeing Profile, other research and the community consultation process indicates that there are a number of opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed in the Monash Municipal Public Health Plan 2007-2010.

Health Issues

The Monash community is comparatively healthy with life expectancy for both males and females rating higher than the Victorian average. However, a number of health issues affecting the broader Australian population, such as ageing communities and the increase in chronic diseases, are also prevalent in Monash. These include:

• Heart disease and stroke;
• Cancer (lung, bowel, liver, prostate, lymphoma and leukaemia);
• Diabetes;
• Injury and mortality resulting from road traffic accidents, falls and suicide;
• Drug abuse/dependency; and
• Mental health problems and disorders.

Monash Council works closely with the Disability Consultative Committee to determine the specific needs of people with disabilities and their carers. People with sensory, physical or mental disabilities experience functional limitations that may affect their ability to access health care, participate in civic functions and form strong, supportive social networks. In addition to congenital disability, other causes of disability in the City of Monash include:

• Mental illnesses such as dementia, depression and anxiety;
• Vision and hearing loss;
• Alcohol abuse;
• Osteoarthritis;
• Heart disease and stroke; and
• Cancer.

Lifestyle

Smoking and alcohol abuse rate among the highest causes of avoidable deaths and hospital admissions in Monash. Problem gambling is a significant issue and Monash records the highest loss per capita in Victoria.

Immunisation

Monash Council delivers half the immunisation services in the City of Monash, with private general practitioners delivering the remainder. Immunisation rates among children aged 12-27 months in Monash are slightly lower than the Victorian average.

Safety

The City of Monash is perceived by the community to be a very safe and secure municipality. Intentional injuries caused by crime and assault are less prevalent than unintentional injuries. The incidence of unintentional injury is greater among males than females. Most unintentional injuries in Monash comprise falls among children and older adults, and road traffic accidents among children.

Social Disadvantage

The City of Monash is ranked among the more advantaged municipalities in Victoria. However, there are pockets of disadvantage in Monash that are characterised by limited access to health services and facilities, poor quality physical environments and poor housing quality. The Neighbourhood Renewal Program in Chadstone, Ashwood and Ashburton is implementing programs to address the physical, economic and social issues that impact on the community's health and wellbeing in these areas.

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Published: 9 August 2007

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