TEXT VERSION

Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013 – 2017

Valuing the wellbeing of our people and our place, now and into the future

1 | P a g e The Council acknowledges the people of Yalukit Wilum of the Boon Wurrung Country that makes up the Greater Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of these municipal lands.

Published June 2013

For further information see the Hobsons Bay City Council website www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. To receive this document in an alternative format or for language assistance please contact the Council 9932 1000.

2 | P a g e The Community’s Vision for Hobsons Bay

This vision brings together the aspirations of residents, Councillors, and stakeholders, for what Hobsons Bay should be like now and into the future.

Valuing the wellbeing of our people and our place, now and into the future: A safe, clean, accessible and connected municipality, which values diversity, protects its heritage and environment, fosters a strong sense of community and provides opportunities to achieve the best possible health and wellbeing. A place that people are proud to call home.

3 | P a g e A Message From Your Mayor and Councillors

The Hobsons Bay City Council is proud to present its Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017.

The Community Health and Wellbeing Plan density, bringing more growth to Hobsons 2013-2017 is the Hobsons Bay City Council’s Bay. Pressures will include provision of key strategic plan, and together with the affordable housing and the ability to attract Council Plan 2013-2017 and the Municipal services and infrastructure to our established Strategic Statement, forms the Council’s municipality. Strategic Planning Framework for the next four years. Our coastal location is a valued part of our lifestyle and has important tourism potential. It set outs the priorities for creating a better Like other coastal municipalities, we are also future for the entire Hobsons Bay community. vulnerable to the threats posed by climate change. In addition, the rising incidence of The plan is the result of wide consultation chronic disease sees many residents with community, organisations and experiencing the associated risk factors that stakeholders who expressed their ideas, can lead to ill health. feedback and visions for Hobsons Bay and the Council. The community have told us they hope that into the future Hobsons Bay will be a clean, The Council has heard that community green and safe place that continues to enjoy identify strongly with their neighbourhood a sense of community, natural open spaces and many recognise the municipality as close and a ‘village feel’. to their ideal place to live. The community values Hobsons Bay for its natural open The Council urges our community to help put spaces, access to the coast, its heritage and this plan into practice. Achieving the sense of community. Hobsons Bay is home to intention of this Community Health and a wide range of people of different Wellbeing Plan will require us all to work backgrounds, cultures and abilities. together.

These are all aspects that, we as Council also With this in mind, we invite you to join us, as value and wish to protect. However, as a we journey towards building an even better community and a municipality we face some Hobsons Bay which fosters opportunities for complex challenges in order to do this. good health and wellbeing for all.

The proximity to the CBD and two growth A place that people are proud to call home. corridors has seen an increased focus on

4 | P a g e We will use our role as Councillors to ensure that in everything we do we uphold the following principles:

o Uphold human rights and social justice o Provide equitable access to services, infrastructure and economic opportunities o Enhance the environmental sustainability of the city o Provide accountable, transparent, well-informed governance for the benefit of the community o Inform, listen to and engage with communities o Be an organisation that is innovative, proactive, financially sound and strives to improve o Work in partnership with service providers and other levels of government to advocate for, and meet, community needs

5 | P a g e Introduction

Wellbeing is about more than just being free of disease and illness. It is about ensuring that we have the best possible physical, The Hobsons Bay City Council is proud to mental, social, emotional and spiritual present its Community Health and Wellbeing wellbeing to achieve our full potential and Plan, which meets the Council’s legislative live long fulfilling lives. requirement for developing a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. Our health and wellbeing is influenced by the circumstance in which we are born, grow, This plan has been informed by the ideas and live, work and age. This means we need to be feedback gathered from the community, provided with the right environmental service providers, local organisations and conditions to assist us to achieve the best state and federal government departments. personal health and wellbeing possible. It sets out the vision and priorities for This is why achieving wellbeing requires Hobsons Bay and will guide the work of the strong partnerships across a variety of health organisation through the Council Plan 2013 – and non-health sectors. 2017 and the Strategic Resource Plan.

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 states that a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan is the culmination of inputs and partnership efforts involving a range of stakeholders including federal and state government services, not for profit health agencies, service providers, and the community themselves.

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 however, gives local councils an important role, that is, to ‘seek to protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing’.

6 | P a g e Contents

DEVELOPMENT - This section of the Plan explains the context for health and wellbeing planning and provides information about the documents which support this Plan

7 | P a g e 8 | P a g e Context for Health and Wellbeing Planning

Under Section 24 of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, councils are required to protect, improve and promote public health and wellbeing within their municipality and, under Section 26, are mandated to prepare a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan every four years.

A Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan is a strategic evidence-based plan that sets out the broad mission, goals and priorities related to improving the health outcomes of the community. The goals and objectives identified in this plan are based on evidence supporting the development of a local community where people have opportunities to maximise their health and wellbeing.

The Hobsons Bay City Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Plan meets the legislative requirements for a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, developed using a social model of health and a social determinants approach to wellbeing.

The social model of health recognises that health, as defined by the World Health Organisation is a “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease” (WHO, 2008).

Our health and wellbeing is therefore determined by much more than genes and lifestyle decisions. It is determined by the circumstances in which we are born, grow, live, work and age and these circumstances are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources.

The social determinants of health approach recognises that wellbeing begins with environments that are supportive, equitable and inclusive and include elements such as accessible transport, education, employment, housing, environmental sustainability, inclusive communities, gender equity, safety, access to health care, and access to community spaces, (refer to figure 1).

Local Government’s Role in Health and Wellbeing

Local government plays an important role in the community. It has the legislated responsibility to improve, promote and protect public health and does this through a range of functions including:  Providing leadership by establishing strategic objectives and monitoring their achievement;  Ensuring resources are managed responsibly and efficiently;  Planning for and providing services and facilities for the local community; and  Regularly consulting with the community in relation to service provision

It has responsibility for a range of areas including, roads, parks, waste, land use, local laws, housing, urban planning, personal and home care, early years services, recreation, community development, health protection, emergency management and advocating for community needs.

Given this, local government is well placed to influence the social determinants of health.

9 | P a g e The Hobsons Bay City Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Plan reflects contemporary thinking about how health is defined and how inequalities in community health outcomes can be addressed.

10 | P a g e Development of the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan

The Hobsons Bay Community Health and both provide the strategic direction for how Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 describes the the organisation will work over the next four community’s vision and priorities for years to implement the directions of the improving their health and wellbeing over Community Health and Wellbeing Plan. the next four years.

It informs the Council Plan 2013 - 2017 and the Municipal Strategic Statement, which

The Community Health and Wellbeing Plan has been developed in using a detailed evidence base, evaluation and an integrated planning approach.

In addition, the plan has been informed by robust community consultation which sought to gauge community values and views of their local area to determine their vision for a municipality which would support and improve their health and wellbeing.

The Council is committed to leading the Plan and implementing it in partnership with the community and other organisations. As such consultation with service providers, local organisations, state and federal government departments centred around the role each plays in the health and wellbeing of Hobsons Bay, and how we can work together to achieve improved local health outcomes.

11 | P a g e Evidence Base The Community Health and Wellbeing Plan was also developed in the context of the outcomes of an evaluation into the Council’s previous Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2007-2011 in order to build on the work undertaken during the previous four years. The Community Health and Wellbeing Plan is supported by a comprehensive evidence base presented within the Community Health and Wellbeing 2013-2017 Background Paper which includes the following information:  A summary of the key issues facing the Hobsons Bay population from a population health perspective. It provides a link to a set of research summaries that have been developed to provide the population health context for the Plan. The following research summaries should be read in conjunction with this Plan:

o People and Place: An Introduction to Hobsons Bay o A Snapshot of Health and Wellbeing o Education and Employment o Housing o Access to Nutritious Food o Access to Transport o Community Connections o Community Safety o Disability o Equity for Women o The Ageing Population o Children’s Health and Wellbeing o Young People’s Experience o Climate Change o Cultural Diversity

 A policy review which summarises relevant international, federal, state, regional and local policies relating to population health

 The methodology used and the outcomes received as a result of the community consultation undertaken with residents, key stakeholder organisations and council staff.

 The development of a Partnership Model to foster and manage partnerships with state government agencies and service providers which are necessary to improve health and wellbeing from a social determinants of health perspective.

The Community Health and Wellbeing 2013-2017 Background Paper and research summaries can be viewed on the Council’s website www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au Alternatively, copies can be attained by contacting the Council’s City Strategy unit on 9932 1000.

12 | P a g e BACKGROUND - This section of the Plan describes the diverse neighbourhoods which make up Hobsons Bay and highlights results from community consultations

13 | P a g e Our Community Hobsons Bay is located at the north western Metropolitian Melbourne with a end of Port Phillip Bay and is home to the SEIFA1 of 997.8 suburbs of Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona - Some areas of Hobsons Bay are North, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport, more disadvantaged than others, Seabrook, Seaholme, South Kingsville, with these residents having Spotswood, Williamstown and Williamstown limited income and increased North. housing stressors - Inequities within population Hobsons Bay is unique to the Western groups especially women, newly Metropolitan Region. It has over 20 arrived communities, people with kilometres of beaches and foreshore areas; it a disability, older people, young is home to significant coastal wetlands, five people and children. creek systems, remnant native grasslands, - An increasing ageing population and important flora and fauna habitats, and associated chronic health making up 24 per cent of the municipality’s conditions land area. It contains the historic seaport of - Limited access to services, with Williamstown, one of the oldest settlements most people having to travel in Victoria, a range of historic buildings as outside of the municipality well as recently developed residential areas. - Limited access to transport especially affecting young people, Our community loves Hobsons Bay for its people with a disability and older proximity to the CBD, the beach, its parks and people green spaces, its vibrant atmosphere and - History of industrial operations, sense of community, its character housing and even with many moving out of the municipality, Hobsons Bay and above all its people, which makes the still includes eight Major Hazard area almost the ideal place to live for many. Facilities - Environmentally rich surroundings Key facts about Hobsons Bay: with sustainability a key concern - Increased developmental sites - Population: 87,350 with coupled with ensuring current population forecast to increase by “village” feel and urban character 17% (14,864) by 2031 is protected - 30% of residents are born overseas, speaking over 100 different languages - 17% of residents have a disability - Hobsons Bay is the 9th most disadvantaged municipality in 1 Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA)are produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The index of disadvantage considers factors such as low income, low educational attainment, high unemployment and jobs in relatively unskilled occupations to develop a score, with 1,000 being the Australian average

14 | P a g e 15 | P a g e around without much problem. I also love the Community community feel here…it’s like living in a village in the country” (Spotswood resident) Views of “I was raised in the country. I come from the Gippsland area, but I have certainly found in Hobsons Bay Hobsons Bay the village feel that I was so used to” (Altona North resident) “Extraordinary people, nice environment, great houses…” (Williamstown resident) “I feel lucky because I have lots of friends in the area and Hobsons Bay is a great place to do social things” (Children from Williamstown and Newport) “There are lots of playgrounds and most of the people are nice at school and there are lots of beaches and activities on” (Children from Williamstown and Newport) The Council is committed to ensuring I love hanging out with my friends because community needs are heard. As such, to we have fun together playing in parks, at the develop this plan, the Council has beach, shopping or at the wetlands” undertaken extensive consultation with the (Children from Williamstown and Newport) community including focus groups, listening “I live near my friends and work. I am in an posts, telephone and online surveys. The area with friendly people” (Young person following quotes capture what people love from Altona Meadows) about Hobsons Bay. “I live close to the beach, shops and the “I love the sea breeze, walking around… It is people are friendly” (Young person from very close to the city and I can just drive Altona Meadows)

16 | P a g e Our Community – Altona Meadows, Laverton and Seabrook The Wetlands Ward consists of the suburbs paying off a mortgage (36%) when compared Laverton, Altona Meadows and Seabrook, the to Hobsons Bay as a whole. latter two being the most recent additions to the Hobsons Bay municipality. As these families continue to mature over the next decade, the population of this ward is Laverton is an established post-war only expected to increase by 289 residents residential area located at the western (or 1%) and the population profile will shift to boundary of the municipality, with a railway potentially reflect more mature families and station and two activity/retail centres. empty nesters. Furthermore, there is limited opportunity for larger residential Altona Meadows and Seabrook are both development; any housing increases into the relatively recently established residential future are likely to occur through infill and areas, with development in Seabrook vacant site development. commencing in the 1980s. There are substantial wetlands to the south east of Both Altona Meadows and Laverton are the Altona Meadows, from which the ward more affordable areas of Hobsons Bay. A high derives its name. proportion of residents living in this Ward (18%) earn less than $600 per week, Sharing the love of Hobsons Bay’s parks, indicating that some residents may be green spaces and proximity to the coast, vulnerable to increasing costs of living. In residents of this Ward also particularly value fact, figures show that a quarter of low the good cycling, footpath and transport income renters in Laverton are in housing networks in this area, feeling that it is a safe stress (i.e. spending more than 30 per cent of place to live. their income on housing costs).

The ward is home to 27,379 residents, or 31 Residents living in these areas have reported per cent of the Hobsons Bay population. It is to the Council that they are concerned about also home to the highest proportion (36%) of job security, lack of education options for residents from Culturally and Linguistically their children, access to services and lack of Diverse backgrounds. Over the last twenty transport options. Good public transport is years, the neighbourhood areas of Altona critical to these areas, particularly as many Meadows and Seabrook have been home to residents live more than 500 metres from new and forming families. fresh fruit and vegetable outlets.

As such, the ward has a higher proportion of The number one priority for the Council’s couples with children (35%) and one parent work over the next four years for residents of families (13%), young people aged 12-24 this ward is for better services years of age (18.3%) and a lower proportion of seniors and frail aged (6.4%). The The residents in these neighbourhood areas overwhelming majority of houses are are also impacted by the growth occurring in separate dwellings (90%) with more residents the neighbouring suburbs of Point Cook and Williams Landing, which are already putting 17 | P a g e pressure on the infrastructure of these established suburbs, particularly roads.

18 | P a g e Our Community – Altona, Seaholme, Altona North, Brooklyn

The Cherry Lake Ward consists of the As expected with an older population, 39 per suburbs of Altona/Seaholme, Brooklyn and cent residents are not in the labour force (i.e. Altona North. retired or not looking for work), more residents own their own homes (43%) and The area is a mix of predominantly residential fewer residents have a mortgage (23%). and industrial land uses. Major residential development dates from the 1950s, with As such, many residents are ‘asset rich and much of the housing constructed during the cash poor’ with more residents (25%) on 1960s and 1970s. The area also has a number weekly incomes of less than $600. of business zones, the largest of these located along Millers Road and includes the Both Altona North and Brooklyn are the more Altona Gate Shopping Centre. The main affordable areas of Hobsons Bay indicating activity centre in Altona is in Pier Street. that some residents may be vulnerable to There are also a number of open spaces such increasing costs of living. Brooklyn has a as Cherry Lake in Altona which provide a higher proportion of renters when compared range of informal recreational opportunities. to Hobsons Bay as a whole, and evidence Kororoit Creek is the main natural feature in suggests that those who are renting and on the area and is recognised as one of low incomes, are more vulnerable to housing Melbourne’s important waterways, having a stress (spending more than 30 per cent of key role to play in the life of Hobsons Bay and their income on housing costs). the environment of the western region. Access to nutritious food is a concern for Residents in these neighbourhood areas residents of Altona North and Brooklyn with highly value their location and the sense of many living more than 500 metres from fresh community they experience. Most residents fruit and vegetable outlets. describe themselves as ‘born and raised’ in Hobsons Bay, however even those who came With fewer residents connected to the from other areas or overseas expressed their internet (58%), and a significant number of contentment with the place they call home. residents speaking a language other than English at home (34%) alternative means of The ward is home to 23,075 residents, or 26 communication remain important for the per cent of the Hobsons Bay population. It is Council to consider when engaging also home to a significant proportion (35%) particularly with residents from Altona North. of residents from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds. These neighbourhood The population of Altona North and Brooklyn areas are well established and consist of particularly are already showing signs of higher proportions of residents aged over 60 regeneration with infill development on the years of age (27%), a higher proportion of rise in these areas. couples without children (27%) and lone person households (27%). Over the next decade, the redevelopment of redundant industrial land known as Precinct 19 | P a g e 15 or the ‘Don’s Site’ is set to the increase the municipality) and the population will age population of Altona North and Brooklyn. over the next decade, particularly residents This will bring challenges for the Council, over the age of 50 years who are set to age in particularly in relation to the ageing place. community infrastructure and facilities in the area. Residents in these areas are concerned about high density development, access to services Residents living in these areas have reported and limited access to public transport, to Council that they are concerned about especially trains. transport, pollution and amenity issues. The number one priority for the Council’s Furthermore, Altona North and Brooklyn are work over the next four years for residents of surrounded by major roads which can make this ward is for improvements to transport. walking difficult and potentially dangerous. Ensuring these areas are walkable is important for improving health and wellbeing.

On the other hand, for the suburbs of Altona and Seaholme, the population growth rate is expected to be 8 per cent (on par with the

20 | P a g e Our Community – Spotswood/South Kingsville, Newport Williamstown and Williamstown North When compared to the rest of the The Strand Ward consists of the suburbs of municipality, 64 per cent of residents in this Spotswood/South Kingsville, Newport, ward are in the labour force, and have higher Williamstown and Williamstown North. incomes (36 per cent of residents are earning $2000 or more per week). The ward is a mix of established residential areas with some industrial areas. Newport is Older residents in these neighbourhood areas an established predominantly residential are ageing in place, and there is expected to area, with some industry to the north, and be substantial growth in those aged over 50 Spotswood-South Kingsville is a mix of both and particularly those aged over 70 years. residential and industrial. Williamstown is an established residential, heritage and port Over the next decade, the redevelopment of area, with commercial areas along Ferguson redundant industrial land known as the Street, Douglas Parade and Nelson Place. ‘Caltex Site’ on Blackshaws Road is set to Williamstown North is a residential area increase the population of Newport West and which has experienced the most recent Spotswood/South Kingsville. growth over the last 20 years through the Rifle Range development on Kororoit Creek In addition, the Port Phillip Woollen Mills site Road. could significantly increase the Williamstown population. Whilst appreciating the parks, open spaces and coastal location of Hobsons Bay, Residents living in these areas have reported residents of these neighbourhood areas in to the Council that they are concerned about particular value their unique neighbourhood the area being adversely impacted by character, history and heritage. development which may be inappropriate for the community. The ward is home to 33,423 residents, or 38 per cent of the Hobsons Bay population. Whilst residents like the fact that the area is These neighbourhood areas are regenerating close to the CBD, they are also concerned and gentrifying as evidenced by the higher about congestion and issues with car parking. proportion of families with children (23% of the population are aged 17 years or under, Residents are also concerned about issues 25% are aged between 35 and 49), and a related to the maintenance and appearance lower proportion of seniors aged 70-84. This of public spaces, citing issues such as will see a stronger need for early years, unmaintained laneways, cracked pavements childcare services and family supports and a and litter. Helping to ensure our challenge for the Council in relation to the neighbourhoods are walkable is important to ageing community infrastructure in these promote good health and wellbeing. Some areas. neighbourhood areas such as Spotswood/South Kingsville are also 21 | P a g e surrounded by major roads which make walking difficult.

The number one priority for the Council’s work over the next four years for residents of this ward related to retaining the character of the area.

22 | P a g e KEY PRIORITIES, GOALS and OBJECTIVES - This section describes how the Council will serve the community to deliver the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan. Each goal area identifies objectives that we will work towards achieving.

23 | P a g e Our key priorities Consultation has provided a rich collection of information to assist the Council in planning how it can best play a role in improving the municipality over the next four years.  Supporting the sustainability Through the community and stakeholder of economic development and consultation a number of key priorities for growth of business across the the municipality have been identified municipality which are recognised as having particular  Advocating for and ensuring strategic importance for the future of the availability of affordable housing throughout the Hobsons Bay. These priority areas will municipality be a key focus of the Council and be  Ensuring the Council is delivered through the implementation of advocating for the current and the Community Health and Wellbeing future needs of the community Plan goals and objectives and the Council Plan’s Annual Action Plan.  Supporting the wellbeing of children and young people  Advocating for accessible public transport throughout the municipality  Ensuring the Council assets and infrastructure are well managed and maintained in accordance with community needs  Promoting and protecting our open space, biodiversity and environment  Ensuring land use planning and development is appropriate and in line with community values  Improving our communication and actively engaging with community -

24 | P a g e - Goal 1: An Inclusive, Resilient and Healthy Community

Engaging with local communities and stakeholders to plan for, and provide access to, the services, cultural and recreational experiences, and economic opportunities that enhance health and wellbeing. OBJECTIVES: for young people. In fact, more young people The Council will: in Hobsons Bay experience psychological 1. Provide a range of accessible, high distress and psychiatric hospitalisations than quality services and social anywhere in the Western Metropolitan supports Region and Victoria. 2. Foster community wellbeing, capacity and sense of belonging We know that the number of Hobsons Bay 3. Protect and promote public health young people completing Year 12 is on the and community safety decline and that as a result, the rates of 4. Provide a range of opportunities young people disengaged from paid work or that support people to engage in education in Hobsons Bay are the fourth healthy and active lifestyles, the highest in the metropolitan area. arts, recreation and sport 5. Foster cultural expression and The early years of life however, often set up lifelong learning conditions and behaviours for later life and 6. Work in partnership with key therefore we also have to be conscious that a stakeholders to attract and significant proportion of children in Hobsons advocate for the services needed in Bay are considered developmentally Hobsons Bay vulnerable. Violence against women is also a key concern A range of factors influence our health and with more local incidents of family violence wellbeing including the circumstances in being reported to the police in 2012 than the which we are born, grow, live, work and age. previous year. These circumstances don’t always give us the In line with these concerns, our community opportunities we need to be able to act on told us that improving the provision of health achieving the best levels of health and related services is their number one priority wellbeing possible. for Council’s work, over the next four years. Whilst many residents experience good The council contributes directly to protecting health, just under a quarter of Hobsons Bay and promoting the health of its community residents rate their health as fair or poor through a range of traditional services (higher than the average for Victoria). Data ranging from immunisation; food safety; shows that diabetes, cancer and asthma are communicable disease prevention; aged, particular health concerns for Hobsons Bay, family, youth and children’s services; as well along with mental health issues particularly as emergency recovery and response. In 25 | P a g e addition, the provision and maintenance of they want very much for the Council to work recreational facilities, libraries, community on fostering and protecting into the future. facilities, support of cultural facilities, access to arts and events, building accessible footpaths, roads and open space, all foster both physical and mental wellbeing. However, the Council is not able to do it all. By working in partnership with organisations who promote health and provide vital treatment and support services, whilst having regard to the priorities in the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017, the Council will be able to advocate for the needs of our community. Residents have identified that Hobsons Bay is a safe place with a strong sense of community, and this is something they value highly about where they live and something

26 | P a g e Goal 2: A Well Planned, Vibrant and Sustainable Place

Fostering safe, attractive and connected neighbourhoods that provide social and economic opportunities for all and are resilient to climate change; while caring for our precious heritage, coast and natural resources for future generations. OBJECTIVES: The Council will:

1. Contribute to creating an accessible, well connected city 2. Enhance neighbourhood character, while respecting local heritage and open space 3. Contribute to initiatives that encourage economic opportunities through local employment, business, industry and tourism 4. Plan for a well designed urban environment and public spaces that enhance safety for all community members and contribute to the life of the city 5. Reduce the Council’s ecological footprint and ensure our community has the capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change 6. Ensure opportunities for residents to enhance their health and wellbeing are delivered upon through strategic integrated planning, social research, community consultation and evaluation

Hobsons Bay residents identify strongly with environment and it’s important for the their neighbourhood and Hobsons Bay as a Council to provide the community with place with many recognising the municipality information on how to adapt to the adverse as close to their ideal place to live. effects of climate change and how to adopt Above all else, the community values the environmentally friendly behaviours, whilst coastal location of the municipality, along ensuring the impact on the environment of with its many parks and quality open spaces, Council owned assets is minimised. and would like the Council to continue to The Council has a role in planning healthy protect these community and communities, not only through its land use environmentally significant areas for future and social planning functions, but also generations to enjoy. This includes ensuring through the provision of infrastructure the impacts of climate change are including walking and cycling connections for considered. physical activity and active transport. Access to public transport is a major concern Climate change presents many challenges for for the Hobsons Bay community, particularly Hobsons Bay including higher average in areas where options are limited and temperatures, reduced rainfall, extreme residents primarily use their cars as their weather events and sea level rise. We all main mode of transportation. have a role to play in protecting the 27 | P a g e The community has told us that advocating transport. Its industrial history is part of the for better public transport for the unique character of the city, however the municipality should be a top priority for the interface of residential areas with industry is Council over the next four years. also a key concern for the community. As Although provision of public transport is not such, the Council has a role in ensuring a direct Council responsibility, the Council appropriate consideration of land use recognises the need for strong advocacy in planning around industrial areas and this area, given adequate transport is a major advocating for changes to land use planning factor in promoting social connections, particularly around major hazard facilities to physical activity and access to services and ensure that community members concerns facilities. are considered. The Council also has a role in planning to Tourism and cultural industries provide accommodate the changing nature of our identity as well as visitor attraction and population and in ensuring development is community benefits, as do a number of retail appropriate and accessible for all. Residents precincts. Local job creation is important now told us that they value the sense of and into the future. community and village feel in Hobsons Bay A sustainable future for Hobsons Bay will be including its history and heritage. Residents, influenced by our ability to plan ahead in a particularly those in Altona and way that reveres our heritage, respects Williamstown, are concerned about losing community values and protects the this to population growth and environment. overdevelopment. Advocacy and partnerships with other stakeholders is important to attract the other elements required for a well planned community, including health and support services, education, housing, public transport and employment. The city has recognised strengths in ship building, logistics, motor vehicle manufacturing, chemical and petroleum industries, railway maintenance and

28 | P a g e Goal 3: Quality Community Infrastructure and Public Open Spaces and Places

Delivering a high standard of well-maintained community infrastructure including roads, Council owned buildings, pedestrian and cycle ways, and public open spaces that are accessible and meet the needs of local communities. OBJECTIVES population to the south west (Altona The Council will: Meadows). 1. Protect and enhance our coastal The Hobsons Bay community is concerned environment, public open space about the effects that population growth will network and natural areas have on the municipality’s infrastructure. 2. Build and maintain a clean, safe and beautiful city They told us that they want the Council to 3. Invest in and maintain Council prioritise the maintenance of open spaces owned buildings to ensure they and parks (particularly in neighbourhood respond to community needs areas including Altona North, Laverton and 4. Provide and maintain roads, Altona Meadows), and to improve roads, drainage and footpath networks streets and shared bike/footpaths. that meet the needs of the community The Council has various roles in relation to 5. Increase the use of integrated community infrastructure including transport across the municipality. advocating for, planning, building, operating and maintaining. Community infrastructure The Hobsons Bay population is projected to provided and maintained by the Council grow from 88,500 in 2012 to 95,600 people in includes kindergartens, maternal and child 2022, an increase of 7.6 per cent over the health centres, childcare centres, community next decade, mainly accommodated by key meeting spaces / halls, community centres redevelopment sites across the municipality. and seniors centres; as well as other With time, and increased developments, infrastructure including roads, footpaths, come changes in the demography of bicycle tracks and walking trails. Their neighbourhood areas and intensified use of effective management is crucial to the roads, footpaths, open spaces and sustainable delivery of these services to meet community facilities. Along with growth and community needs and aspirations. populations change; families mature and The municipality’s parks and open spaces are residents age. For Hobsons Bay, this is among residents’ most valued aspects of particularly the case for neighbourhood areas Hobsons Bay and allow the community to expected to regenerate to the north and east enjoy the municipality while facilitating of the municipality (Altona North, activities such as walking and cycling, which Spotswood, South Kingsville, Williamstown promote good health and wellbeing. Stories and Altona-Seaholme) and the ageing of the 29 | P a g e about the environment, heritage or marking and litter prevention programs, the Council sites of interest through the city’s public art can maintain the municipality in a clean and collection also add value to our open spaces. sanitary condition. Litter is visually As such, Council understands the importance unappealing, harms local fauna, pollutes of ensuring it protects and enhances all the water ways and impacts the way we live in natural open space areas of the municipality. and feel about a place. Action to reduce In defining a preferred future for Hobsons waste and litter is also a critical element of Bay, residents highlighted, among other sustainable development. things, the importance of a clean and safe place. The community is concerned about inconsistent maintenance of the municipality’s infrastructure, particularly roads and laneways, and the impact this has on feelings of safety. Maintaining the cleanliness of the municipality is one of the major roles of the Council. Through managing waste collection, recycling services, street and beach cleaning

30 | P a g e Goal 4: An Innovative, Proactive and Leading Organisation

Providing strong civic leadership, advocacy and good governance to promote the wellbeing of people who live, work in and visit Hobsons Bay: ensuring that the Council is an effective, financially strong and capable organisation. OBJECTIVES has the financial capacity to deliver our The Council will: strategic goals into the future. 1. Undertake responsible and Despite its many functions and sustainable decision making and responsibilities, the Council is not always management legislatively able to do everything. However, a 2. Understand community needs, advocate and partner with others commitment to integrated council planning for the benefit of the municipality, will help ensure strong working especially in relation to children collaborations and partnerships are and young people developed not only with key organisations, Communicate and engage 3. business and community groups but also effectively with the community and provide excellent customer service internally between Council business areas. 4. Foster a highly skilled, effective All this is underpinned by a highly skilled and committed workforce workforce and as such it is critical for the Council to have a focus on attracting and As the closest level of government to the retaining the best workforce possible that will community, local government is best placed help it deliver the outcomes it needs. to know about local needs and concerns. As Ultimately however, the Council exists to such, the role of local government is one of serve the needs of its community, so leadership and involves a range of functions understanding community needs is vital to including strategic planning, advocacy, and effectively planning for and responding to our facilitation of community participation. community Achieving the best outcomes for Hobsons Bay Engaging with and listening to our residents is requires the Council to be an effective, a key priority; the outcomes of which should capable, transparent and well-resourced drive the strategic directions of the organisation which manages risks and organisation. maximizes opportunities wherever possible. However, communication is a two way street, This requires excellence in governance and and residents have told us they would like to organisational practices. be better informed about what is happening As a custodian of public funds, local in their local area and also about the services government is also accountable to the and programs the Council delivers. community in the performance of functions, The Council is committed to continuous the exercise of powers and the use of improvement and to strive for innovation resources. The Council is committed to long wherever possible. Residents and staff have term financial planning so that the Council 31 | P a g e said they want Hobsons Bay to be more This Plan will provide the Council with a progressive, forward thinking, pro-active, framework for strong leadership to improve bold and service-driven in order to achieve community health and wellbeing. the best possible outcomes for its community.

32 | P a g e IMPLEMENTATION - This section outlines how the Council will implement the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan.

33 | P a g e Partnership Approach

A population health perspective dictates that there are many contributing factors that influence the health and wellbeing of communities. The spectrum of prevention ranges from primary prevention (i.e. keeping people well) through to tertiary prevention that aims to ensure those needing treatment have access to appropriate services.

For this reason, in order to influence the health and wellbeing outcomes of the Hobsons Bay community, a range of stakeholders need to be involved collaboratively, all with their own responsibilities and roles to play as shown in the figure below.

34 | P a g e State Local Health Sector Non Health Local Government Government Sector Communities Responsible for Providing a large Alongside Non government Community led making laws, number of government organisations action and determining services departments activities policy and including who provide Private health providing libraries, health services insurers Community services immunisation, include, having a say early childhood Community and Food industry, about the Many and in home Women’s Health private sport and communities government support services agencies who recreation they live in and departments for the elderly provide health sector, research the issues that with various promotion and community affect them functions and Are responsible screening responsibilities for a range of initiatives (e.g. E.g. Heart Social, cultural, urban planning pap and breast Foundation, sporting, E.g. Departments activities, screening), Cancer Council, religious, artistic of Health, management of specialist clinics , VicHealth, and special Human Services, open spaces and as well as private Universities interest groups Education and public and social healthcare and clubs Early Childhood, infrastructure providers Transport, and other public including private E.g. Community Planning and services such as hospitals groups and clubs Local emergency Infrastructure management There are also Justice, regional bodies Sustainability such as Primary and Primary Care Industries Partnerships and Medicare Locals who provide a key role in advocating, planning and coordinating across the region, the identification of service gaps and regional approaches to wellbeing.

Local Government’s Role 35 | P a g e As the closest level of government to the The main aim of this approach is to foster community, local government is best placed collaboration amongst a wide range of to know about local and diverse community stakeholders with varied roles and needs and concerns. As such, the role of local responsibilities to work together on achieving tailored solutions for the issues affecting the government is one of leadership and involves Hobsons Bay community. a range of functions including strategic planning, advocacy, and facilitation of The proposed approach centres on the community participation. creation of the Hobsons Bay Community Wellbeing Leadership Coalition which brings The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 together stakeholders with a strong influence articulates that in order to enable action on on affecting change at the upstream social the variety of factors that influence health determinants of health level, that is, those and wellbeing, partnerships with state and that affect the entire community e.g. public federal government departments, agencies transport, affordable housing, employment, funded to undertake public health initiatives education. This group will act as a key and organisations with health promotion advocacy mechanism for the needs of the responsibilities is essential. Hobsons Bay community.

Hobsons Bay faces many challenges, and It is proposed that service providers will also meeting community needs will require meet with the Hobsons Bay Community municipal or regional partnerships and Wellbeing Leadership Coalition once a year in advocacy for additional resources or a forum setting to share information and government policy changes. provide key insights into emerging health issues and solutions for the Hobsons Bay Implementation of the Council’s Community community. Health and Wellbeing Plan will require collaboration from the stakeholders This will enable the ongoing implementation identified as critical to affecting the social of the Hobsons Bay Community Health and determinants of health within the Wellbeing Plan to be accurately informed by municipality. those at the coalface of program and service delivery. For this reason, the Hobsons Bay City Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Achieving the outcomes of the Community Plan has been developed with partnerships in Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 will be mind to ensure an effective mechanism for a challenge, one to which the Council is coordinated planning, policy alignment and committed to leading. implementation. The model presented here provides a The Partnership Approach mechanism for the Council to continue to build relationships and work closely with The partnership approach for the Council’s stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes Community Health and Wellbeing Plan has possible for the Hobsons Bay community. It been developed in consultation with key will be evaluated and reviewed on an annual stakeholders. basis and altered as required.

36 | P a g e 37 | P a g e Human Rights Compliance

The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 is designed to These rights relate to freedom from protect the fundamental rights and freedoms discrimination; the right to move about of citizens. The Charter gives legal protection Victoria freely and to chose where to live; to to 20 fundamental human rights under four adopt a religion and practice, worship and key values that include freedom, respect, observe its beliefs; the right to uphold an equality and dignity. opinion and respect others views; the right Council acknowledges the legal responsibility for families (and in particular children) to be to comply with the Act therefore in protected as a fundamental unit of society; developing the strategic directions of the the right to enjoy one’s own culture and Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013- language; and the fundamental right to 2017, the Charter of Human Rights has been freedom. used, particularly those rights that relate to By focusing on the social determinants of equity between population groups as follows: health, the Council’s Community Health and  Recognition and equality before the Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017 acknowledges law every community member’s right to the  Freedom of movement fundamental social, economic and  Freedom of thought, conscience, environmental conditions which underpin religion and belief good health and wellbeing, therefore,  Freedom of expression upholding human rights.  Protection of families and children Similar to the Charter of Human Rights and  Cultural rights  Right to liberty and security of person Responsibilities, the objectives of the Equal  Right to protection from torture and Opportunity Act 2010 aim to encourage the cruel, inhuman or degrading identification and elimination of treatment discrimination, and to promote equality.

38 | P a g e Monitoring and Evaluation evaluation methods and skill development The Council Plan 2013 - 2017 will be the across the organisation. mechanism through which the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan is implemented. The implementation of the Council Plan is supported each year by an annual action plan.

The annual action plan includes a set of Key Strategic Activities, which are projects that will play a leading role in delivering on the Council’s strategy.

The Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017, through the Council Plan and annual action plans, will be subject to a quarterly reporting cycle, with progress reports presented to the Council on an annual basis.

These reports will be made available to the community via the Council’s website www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

A meeting of senior management from business areas across the Council will oversee the implementation of the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan and the Council Plan 2013-2017 to ensure implementation takes place in an integrated, whole of council way.

Broad evaluation of the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan’s goal areas will take place at the end of four years and will focus on determining whether there has been a change in the critical issues which impact the health and wellbeing of the Hobsons Bay population.

Monitoring and evaluation is an ongoing process. The Council is committed towards incorporating evaluation into its work and striving for continuous improvement in 39 | P a g e References

Department of Health (2011), Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2011-2015

Hobsons Bay City Council (2013), Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017: Background Paper (unpublished)

Hobsons Bay City Council (2013), Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017: Consultation Results (Unpublished) Prepared for Hobsons Bay City Council

Hobsons Bay City Council (2013), Research Summaries: - People and Place - A Snapshot of Health and Wellbeing in Hobsons Bay - Education and Employment in Hobsons Bay - Housing in Hobsons Bay - Access to Nutritious Food in Hobsons Bay - Access to Transport in Hobsons Bay - Community Safety in Hobsons Bay - The Ageing Population in Hobsons Bay - Disability in Hobsons Bay - Young People's Experience in Hobsons Bay - Children's Health and Wellbeing in Hobsons Bay - Community Connections in Hobsons Bay - Equity for Women in Hobsons Bay - Climate Change in Hobsons Bay - Cultural Diversity in Hobsons Bay

Victorian Government (2010), Climate Change Act 2010

Victorian Government (2008), Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008

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