ILL health and disease rates well in excess of the Victorian average have failed to sway successive state and federal governments to invest more in Melbourne’s fastest-growing regions.
Health sources say the west is on the verge of a diabetes epidemic, with levels among women fast approaching those among men. Heart disease, obesity and depression continue to outstrip levels found in the leafier southern and eastern suburbs of the world’s “most liveable” city.
Brimbank Council has determined to use the results of VicHealth’s recent ‘indicators survey’ to continue to lobby governments for funds to improve community health and well-being.
A council report this month noted that the survey’s outcomes were consistent with the findings of last year’s census, along with other available population data.
“Brimbank has the most people with type 2 diabetes, the second-highest rate of unemployment, has one of the lowest percentages of self-reported health [issues], a higher rate of obesity than the Victorian average, and is the third-most disadvantaged local government area in Victoria,” the report stated.
It said while council had been actively promoting health initiatives, consistent submissions for support from governments had failed.
Chairman John Watson said the findings would be used to lobby for greater resources.
“In light of the findings, it was disappointing that recent applications to the Department of Health and Ageing for a Sunshine GP super clinic and to the Healthy Communities Initiative phase two and phase three were unsuccessful,” he said.
“The lack of recent funding is a missed opportunity to reduce inequalities in health and well-being experienced by Brimbank residents.”
Mr Watson said council had already invested $12 million in its award-winning Creating Better Parks project, improving parks throughout the municipality and encouraging more residents to be active.
The VicHealth survey is undertaken once every three years. Data is collected across 26 benchmarks under nine headings: well-being; alcohol; smoking policy; work, life and time; healthy eating and sedentary behaviour; green space and safety; community engagement; social attitudes that influence health; and arts and new media.
