The City of Albany on the southern coast of Western Australia is identifying walk trails with health ratings, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Premier’s Physical Activity Taskforce.
Part of Be Active WA, the taskforce links government and community agencies to strengthen the promotion and development of physical activity programs for healthy lifestyles.
Albany’s residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of scenic, recreational and social experiences on reserves in the City, some of which form part of Australia’s only recognised international biodiversity hotspot.
The City is responsible for the management of over 600 Crown bush and coastal reserves and urban parks and spaces occupying more than 138,000 hectares.
City of Albany Mayor, Milton Evans, welcomed the grant and said it would contribute to the health of the Albany community.
“We will use the grant and City funds to identify walks rated low, medium and high for
cardiac health,” he said. “A map of the graded walks will be produced so that people who want to improve their fitness, even from a relatively low state, will be able to identify outings that suit their needs.
“Council will provide infrastructure on the walk trails, including drink fountains, bicycle racks and seating.”
Mayor Evans said Council offered a number of free passes for prewalk health checks at the recent opening of its redeveloped Leisure and Aquatic Centre.
“Work will start on the trail project later this year and the launch will be early next year,” he said.
