Local Governments are active in the public health space through their services, infrastructure and roles relating to community wellbeing and welfare such as building inspections, animal control and food outlet licensing.
From 4 June 2024, Stage 5 of the Public Health Act 2016 will be implemented through several phases. As part of the Stage 5 implementation, Local Governments are required to prepare local public health plans within 24 months. Local public health plans are required to be consistent with the State public health plan whilst responding to local public health risks and emerging issues such as vaping.
WALGA uses its membership of the State Government Public Health Planning Reference Group to advocate for Local Government member issues relating to the implementation of Stage 5. We engage with regional Local Government Health Service Networks and facilitates connection between Local and State Governments on key local issues.
Local Government Public Health Planning Webinar Series
WALGA has developed a webinar series to support Local Governments developing local public health plans. The series will bring together public health experts and Local Government champions to discuss key stages of the local planning process and share examples of successful projects and initiatives.
Part 1 of the series will explore key aspects of the planning process. Part 2 will take a deeper dive into key priority areas, with details to come.
Webinars will be recorded and available on this webpage for ongoing reference. This support is provided in addition to resources available on the Department of Health website, including contact details for Health Service Providers who are responsible for providing ongoing support to Local Governments.
Part 1: Foundations of Local Public Health Planning
Webinar 1: Applying a Local Government lens to the State Public Health Plan
Tuesday, 29 July, 11.30am – 1.00pm Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Join WALGA’s policy team to explore how Local Government’s roles and responsibilities in community development, building and planning, environment and waste management, and roads and infrastructure already align with the State Public Health Plan priorities. The City of Greater Geraldton will share how they are successfully embedding the planning process across their functions and building support with Council.
Webinar 2: Data Spotlight – Accessing data on the health and wellbeing of children and young people
Tuesday, 12 August, 12.30pm – 2.00pm Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Marketa Reeves will demonstrate how the Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas can provide insights into the public health needs of children and young people and help shape priorities for action. Early Years Officer Karen Dales-Anderson will share how the City of Wanneroo has worked in partnership with the Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas Project Team to inform the development of their local public health plan.
Webinar 3: From data to action - Identifying local priorities to shape your action plan
Tuesday, 26 August, 11.00am – 12.30pm Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Injury Matters' Suzanne Butler will explore how Local Governments can use local data, risk and protective factors to inform public health planning. The session will also cover how to identify strategies and actions for inclusion in a Local Public Health Plan and measurable objectives to support evaluation. Injury prevention will be used as a case study to demonstrate how available resources can support this process. Kellie Wilson from the City of Mandurah will share the City’s approach to developing their next Public Health Plan, including lessons learnt and opportunities for incorporation across teams.
Webinar 4: Funding and support for local public health initiatives
Tuesday, 9 September, 11.30am – 1.00pm Link coming soon
Resources
The State Public Health Plan for Western Australia 2025–2030 provides high level strategic directions focusing on prevention, health promotion and health protection strategies that aim to prevent disease, illness, injury, disability and premature death in Western Australia.
Further support and advice on Local Government Public Health Plans and the Stage 5 requirements are outlined in the Stage 5 information sheet, the Government for Western Australia website and the public health planning resources website.
