Case Studies
Kiama Health Plan

Design Feature

Type of project
Local Government Initiative, Policy
State
New South Wales
Location
Urban
Kiama Council, located on the New South Wales coast, is an ageing locality. The community has a high rate of cardiovascular disease, significant incidences of falls and a high proportion of people who are overweight. Social isolation is also a significant health issue for the older population, with approximately 56% of the population aged 65 years or older and living alone.
An active, connected and resilient community
To address these potential issues, the Council developed the Kiama Health Plan 2018-2021. An active ageing baseline of priorities is established within the framework identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the essential features of age-friendly communities.
The aim of Kiama Council's Health Plan is to create a municipality of residents who are healthy, have vibrant lifestyles, and are surrounded by a beautiful environment. The intent is for these residents to be part of a connected and resilient community.
The Kiama Health Plan 2018-2021 identifies key active ageing strategies to address priority issues:
  • Social connections, cohesion and diversity
  • Health and activity
  • Food security and food sustainability
  • Encouragement and enhancement of a healthy and sustainable economy
  • A healthy, protected and sustainable environment

The Health Plan adopts the core values of respect, innovation, integrity, teamwork and excellence. The Council promotes the active support of healthy lifestyles in response to the ageing in place through the adoption of principles from international and national plans and policies such as:
  • The WHO Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (1986)
  • WHO Healthy Cities Movement (2003)
  • The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030)
  • United Nations – The New Urban Agenda (2016)
  • Australian National Health Priority Areas (2017)
  • The NSW State Plan (2011-2021)


Accessibility is a key principle of the plan; this is a commitment that all people should have fair access to services, resources and opportunities to improve their quality of life. The Plan contains multiple actions to improve movement networks in the municipality, such as:
  • Enhance the accessibility of recreational facilities, including wheelchair access to seating, shaded areas, outdoor exercise and play equipment. 
  • Allocate an accessibility budget to support access resources and assistance to ensure maximum opportunity for all residents to genuinely participate in Council functions, consultations, events and activities.
  • An audit of all accessible parking places to identify possible improvements and facilities to be upgraded. 
  • Consult people with a range of disabilities to establish priorities within the Council's pathway management plan.
  • On-going implementation of the Dementia-friendly Kiama Project which seeks to build an inclusive physical and social environment for people living with dementia, allowing them to live with meaning and purpose through fostering and maintaining community connections.

Adopting these inclusive actions, the Kiama Council will support a healthy and engaged community that is continually improving physical, social, economic and environmental resources for older residents.
Project team
  • Kiama Council
  • Local residents (consultation phase)

Project Cost
Part of the ongoing Local Government community initiatives.
Health Value
  • The Kiama Council was one of the first Councils in New South Wales to develop a Health Plan, and it remains an innovative leader in this policy area. Kiama Council recognises that the health of the community (both human health and environmental health) is a shared responsibility, where healthy urban environments are strengthened through ongoing partnerships.
  • The Kiama Council identifies that their community is ageing, and there is a need for the Council to support an age-friendly built environment. To achieve this, the Council adopts the WHO basic requirements for health into their Health Plan. These include peace, shelter, education, food, a stable ecosystem, sustainable resources, social justice and equity.
  • Council engages and educates members of the community on healthy, affordable and sustainable food and gardening practices through its Health & Sustainability Programs including the Community Gardens and Health and Sustainability grants programs, and its collaborative work with Food Fairness Illawarra. These programs build the communities skills in sustainable food production, creating less food waste and advocating for fair healthy food for all.

Economic value
  • The Kiama Council aims to encourage a healthy community and sustainable economy, which is achieved through forums and programs that support the economic development of small businesses, while also regularly developing and promoting employment opportunities.
  • The Council also aims to support economic stability and enhanced value through undertaking demand studies to ensure an adequate supply of employment to meet future needs.

Environmental Value
  • The Kiama Council identifies the need for healthy, protected and sustainable environments. To enhance environmental value, the Council has implemented multiple actions that improve the energy consumption, limit water waste and enhance the ecological footprint of the locality.
  • The Council’s implementation of this plan includes the additional environmental-related actions of developing an agribusiness policy and processing recyclables and organics. The City is undertaking scheduled waste management programs and workshops, supporting and implementing local Landcare projects. It provides support for on-ground activities and biodiversity education to promote and enhance natural areas. The Council also wants to pursue grant funding for natural area restoration at priority sites on Council land, and lastly, investigate public and environmental health complaints.

Social value
  • The Kiama Council’s Health Plan is based on the social justice principles of access, participation and equity. Social isolation is a major health issue for the older population in the Council area, with approximately 56% of the population aged 65 years and older, living alone.
  • By establishing supportive town planning and social initiatives, the Council promotes a sense of belonging and connectedness through working in partnerships with the community.

Use value
The Kiama Council Health Plan aims to provide equitable access to services and resources, enhancing liveability for ageing community members. The ongoing auditing and improvement of recreational facilities will enhance quality of life for community members and support walkable outcomes.

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