By Stuart Randle*
On behalf of Active Roma, I would like to invite all rural councils and interested community organisations to attend the annual Rural Local Government Association Physical Activity Forum to be held in Roma on 15 and 16 October 2008.
The purpose of this forum is to assist Local Governments and community organisations to work collaboratively to improve wellbeing for people in their community through the concept of active living.
Governments at the local, regional and national levels are challenged by dramatic increases in chronic diseases, obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to these problems.
Local Governments have a crucial role to play in creating environments and opportunities for physical activity and active living. We have a responsibility to create an environment where people not only survive, but thrive.
Councils are increasingly responsible for coordinating opportunities for physical activity and funding community infrastructure that supports physical activity.
The forum has a focus on the development and maintenance of facilities, amenities, environments and services that support active living and policies and planning for development that enhances the active living opportunities within rural communities.
I urge representatives from all Queensland rural Councils to attend, as the forum will be invaluable in demonstrating how we can effectively create environments that support healthy lifestyles and thus increase physical activity in our communities.
*Stuart Randle is the CEO of Roma Regional Council.
For further information on the conference or to register, contact Kathy Morrow on (07) 4624 2927.
