City of Canning calls on community to help shape Local Public Health Plan

The City of Canning has launched community engagement for its Local Public Health Plan, inviting all residents to share their views on the health priorities that matter most to them.

Under the Public Health Act 2016, all local governments in Western Australia are required to prepare and publish a Local Public Health Plan by 4 June 2026. The City of Canning’s plan will provide a strategic framework to improve public health and wellbeing across the community, building on the significant contribution the City already makes through its services, infrastructure, programs and regulatory responsibilities.

What the data tells us
The City of Canning Health Profile 2024, prepared by the Epidemiology Directorate of the Department of Health Western Australia, highlights several key health areas for the local community:

• Vegetable consumption: 32.7% of residents aged 16 and above consumed recommended daily serves of vegetables, significantly lower than the State average of 47%.
• Physical inactivity: 38.4% of residents aged 18 and above did not achieve recommended weekly physical activity levels, similar to the State average of 39.1%.
• Overweight and obesity: 40.8% of residents aged 16 and above were overweight, higher than the State average of 37.4%.
• Mental health: 22% of residents reported a diagnosed mental health condition in the past 12 months (State average: 25%). A further 21.8% reported high or very high psychological distress, similar to the State average of 21.7%.

The City’s Living in Canning survey also found that community members place the highest importance on feeling safe (93%), access to parks and public open space (90%), creating safer and more sustainable areas (88%), and environments that support active lifestyles (87%).

Community members are encouraged to complete a short survey online at www.yoursaycanning.com.au/php

City staff will also be attending Youth Fest to hear from residents in person. Come down to Agincourt, Saturday 11 April, 11:30am–3:30pm.

The City’s Local Public Health Plan must align with the State Public Health Plan 2025–2030 and will be presented to the May 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting for consideration.