Brimbank council will consider removing all sugary drinks from its owned and managed facilities and events, in a bid to address alarming rates of obesity.
The YMCA is calling on all local governments to remove sugary drinks following a recent “Sugary Drink Summit” which was attended by key decision-makers from local governments across the state.
A Dental Health Services Victoria study released last year found 12 per cent of Brimbank residents reported drinking soft drink daily, in line with the national average according to YMCA data.
However its consumption remains below that of nearby council areas including Hume (18 per cent), Wyndham (19 per cent) and Melton (21 per cent).
YMCA advocacy manager Stephen Bendle said Brimbank council should become a leader to combat local obesity rates.
Star Weekly revealed last month Brimbank was above the state average for obesity and diabetes, according to Melbourne Primary Care Network figures.
Mr Bendle said the council should not only hold soft drink-free events, but take real action through its health and wellbeing plans.
“Some local governments in Victoria have taken positive steps by holding soft drink-free events or removing sugary drinks from sporting facilities, however more can be done,” he said.
“We are asking the key decision-makers from local government to rethink sugary drinks and take action via their municipal health and wellbeing plans.”
Brimbank council’s acting director of community wellbeing Kath Brackett said the idea has some merit.
“Council is open to discussing the removal of sugary drinks from council owned and managed facilities and events,” she said.
“Council is aware of the growing concern that over-consumption of sugary drinks impacts health. Council also encourages healthy eating to help reduce risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes.
“Council has an active role in planning and advocating on behalf of the community regarding health issues.”
Director of prevention at Cancer Council Victoria, Craig Sinclair, said obesity was the leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
“Removing sugary drinks from sports or community centres is one small, but extremely tangible and effective way local governments can improve the health of their community,” he said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Would this be a positive move to address growing obesity rates, or another “nanny state” idea?
