2017-07-11 S&O Agenda - Attachment 1 to Item 3 - Draft Sport & Active Recreation Plan

1.   Introduction

 1.1 Purpose of the Noosa Sport and Active Recreation Plan
 The development of a Noosa Sport and Active Recreation Plan (the ‘Plan’) was a
 recommendation of the 2016 Noosa Social Strategy. Its purpose is to provide a guiding
 document for the continued development of the sport and active recreation sector in the
 Noosa Shire. The Plan aims to provide an understanding of the current position and
 potential for future development of the local sport and active recreation sector including
 participation, facilities and service provision. It identifies the providers of services and
 facilities to Noosa residents and identifies actions for future development in terms of
 participation, facility development and service provision.

         Rationale for Sport and Active Recreation Planning
 Sport and active recreation planning focuses on the providers, places and enablers of
 physical activity participation. Planning for physical activity participation is important for
 local government as it is core to the health and well-being of a community. The
 Commonwealth Government identifies nine National Health Priority Areas (NHPAs) which
 significantly contribute to the burden of disease, are largely preventable (and/or
 manageable), contribute significant cost to individuals and communities, and have the
 potential for a range of strategies that can be implemented to improve health in these
 areas. The NHPAs are:
    Obesity
    Cardiovascular health
    Mental health
    Injury prevention and control
    Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions
    Asthma
    Diabetes mellitus
    Cancer Control
    Dementia
 Low rates of physical activity and poor access to recreational facilities are identified risk
 factors for seven of the nine NHPAs (all except cancer control and asthma). A summary
 table of the biological, behavioural, social and physical environment risk factors is included
 as Appendix 1. The proposed Noosa Health Plan (a recommendation from the 2016 Noosa
 Social Strategy) will address NHPAs in more detail, however the Noosa Sport and Active
 Recreation Plan focuses on ensuring physical activity participation, the environments and
 the providers of opportunities for residents are supported and developed. Effectively
 planning for programs, facilities and services that promote physical activity participation
 will have significant benefits for the health and wellbeing of the community.

       Scope and methodology

  1.3.1 Scope
 Sport and active recreation activities included in the scope of this plan have been identified
 in Appendix 2. Included activities have been determined by those that fit within the
 definitions of ‘sport’ or ‘active recreation’ (1.5 Definitions) and that have been identified as
 available to residents of the Noosa Shire. Consideration was also given to include activities
 residents have said they participate in, which require travel outside of the Shire to access.


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