Published on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 2:44:02 PM
Council has endorsed the Shire of Mundaring Local Public Health Strategy 2026-2031, setting out the important part local government plays alongside health services, community organisations and other levels of government in supporting a healthy, active and connected community.
The Strategy recognises that responsibility for public health is shared across governments, health and service providers, community organisations and individuals. While the Shire does not provide clinical or specialised health services, many of its everyday functions make an important contribution to community health and wellbeing. These include providing parks, recreation facilities, trails and community spaces, supporting social connection, planning safe and accessible places and managing environmental health risks.
The Strategy also meets the Shire’s obligations under the Public Health Act 2016, which requires local governments to prepare a public health plan aligned with the State Public Health Plan where appropriate, while providing a practical roadmap for the Shire’s own contribution.
Shire President Paige McNeil said the Strategy reflected the priorities raised by the community and clarified the Shire’s role in supporting public health.
“The priorities in this Strategy reflect what we heard from the community, including the need to strengthen climate resilience, improve bushfire and emergency preparedness, support mental wellbeing, and ensure residents can access the health services and care they need locally.
“The Shire plays a preventative and enabling role in public health by shaping safe, green and accessible environments, supporting community connection and wellbeing, and managing key environmental health risks such as food safety and air and water quality.
“While the Shire does not provide clinical or specialised health services, we act as an advocate, enabler, connector and place leader, working collaboratively with community organisations, service providers and government partners to coordinate action, strengthen local networks, improve service visibility and champion the resources needed to support our community’s health and wellbeing.
“Together, we can continue building a healthy, resilient and sustainable future for the Shire of Mundaring.”
The Shire’s contribution will focus on seven priority areas identified in the Strategy: access, equity and inclusion; disease and injury; education and awareness; environment, water and waste; health and health services; mental wellbeing; and risky behaviours.
The Strategy recognises that public health needs also differ across the Shire’s Foothills, Hills and Rural communities, allowing actions to respond to the different opportunities and challenges experienced across the district.
The Shire will integrate its actions into existing planning and reporting through the Council Plan and an internal action plan. Progress will be reviewed regularly so the Shire’s contribution can respond as community needs and public health challenges evolve.
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