New supporting module: Walkability in Less Advantaged Areas

This month is something really special, and of which we are very proud: We’ve launched a new module for Healthy Active by Design!! - Walkability in Less Advantaged Areas. 

We’re really excited to share this with you. 

As a collaboration with researchers from the University of Canberra’s Health Research Institute we sought to identify and address the unique circumstances and nuances which result in lower levels of physical activity and walking in areas of low socioeconomic advantage. 

The results of a rapid literature review and insights from workshops held in three communities across the country have helped develop an evidence base, health impacts, case studies, international examples and Checklist. 



These resources and materials can be applied in urban, regional and remote areas across Australia to help inform the design and delivery of greater equality for more walkable neighbourhoods and built environments, ensuring all people living in Australia can easily incorporate walking into their everyday lives. 

Research shows that people living in neighbourhoods of lower socioeconomic advantage tend to be less physically active and have poorer health overall than residents of more advantaged neighbourhoods. Differences in the built and social environment likely explain some of the variation in physical activity and health between residents of areas of low and high socioeconomic advantage as these features often also vary with area socioeconomic advantage.   

We’d love you to take a look and use these materials to help inform your next planning, policies and projects! 

https://www.healthyactivebydesign.com.au/walkability-in-less-advantaged-areas 

If you have any questions or feedback, please email to HealthyActiveByDesign@heartfoundation.org.au