About Health in Planning

Wollondilly is committed to the health and wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors. Council recognises that health is an overall state of wellbeing rather than just the absence of disease or injury, and that planning and the built environment can have a huge impact on health. As well as environmental factors such as air quality, heat and noise, social factors play a significant role in our health. These factors are called the social determinants of health, and include:

• Social connectedness, particularly opportunities for unplanned social interaction
• Employment and income
• Education
• Transport, particularly active and public transport
• Access to healthy food
• Access to nature and open space
• Access to health care

 

Social and Health Impact Assessment

To ensure that the social determinants of health are given proper consideration in planning, Council adopted the Social and Health Impact Assessment Policy and Social and Health Impact Assessment Guidelines at its regular meeting in May 2021.

Forms & Further Information

• Social & Health Impact Comment Assessment Form
• Guidelines for Preparing a Comprehensive Social & Health Impact Assessment Report
• Data Resources

 

The Health in Planning Partnership

In 2018, Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), embarking on a formal partnership to prioritise embedding health considerations in land use planning. Under the MoU, Council and SWSLHD employ a joint Senior Strategic Health Planner who works across both organisations to coordinate expertise, deliver policy and legislative change, and build capacity.

The MoU was revised an renewed in 2022.

Downloads

Health in Planning Partnership MoU 2018

Health in Planning Partnership MoU 2022

Wollondilly Health Alliance

Council is one of the three main member organisations of the Wollondilly Health Alliance, whose Health in Planning Working Group manages projects which will positively impact the social determinants of health. Council is also an active participant in the Western Sydney Health Alliance, an alliance created between health agencies, local government, non-government organisations and the Federal government.

 

Wilton Health and Wellbeing Strategy

The development of Wilton Growth Area will see the population of Wollondilly double over the next few decades. To ensure that planning for the area gives proper consideration to the health and wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors, Council has developed a Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Wilton.