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The Illawarra Shoalhaven is undergoing rapid population growth and urban development at a time when the long-term health implications of climate change require urgent action. Creating built and natural environments that encourage people to walk, cycle, be physically active, use public transport, connect with others, and are cool and inclusive, can contribute to lifelong health and wellbeing.
“The way our cities are planned, designed and built influence how we move around our streets, connect with others, access nutritious food and seek shelter from extreme weather. The Community of Practice is an important initiative that brings together a range of local subject matter experts who have experience in shaping cities to keep people healthy.”
Jennie Pry, Co-chair, Healthy Urban Environments Community of Practice
The Healthy Urban Environments (HUE) Community of Practice (CoP) brings together subject matter experts on built environment, public health practitioners, academics, and communications specialists to exchange best practices, and advocate for scaling up the implementation of health-enhancing urban policies.
Guided by the principles and practices of healthy urban planning and design, the HUE CoP works to:
Facilitate local connections between diverse SMEs to exchange best practice, develop new skills and provide expert feedback on local urban health issues.
Scale up the implementation of health-enhancing urban policies that will benefit the communities of Illawarra Shoalhaven.
Drive the healthy urban environments conversation in the Illawarra to increase local awareness, grow understanding about the public health impact of urban planning & design, and enable participation in community consultations.
The HUE COP facilitates skill sharing and professional development through the exchange of ideas and resources to develop best practice. The CoP also engages in advocacy and lobbying to improve healthy urban planning and design. It provides subject matter expertise to urban planning and policy processes to advance the cause of healthy urban planning and design at the regional level.
These activities are carried out through internal communications and networking events, as well as through occasional public meetings and events intended to raise awareness among decision-makers and the broader community.
Membership of the Community of Practice is open to built environment professionals, public health practitioners, academics, communication specialists, and anyone with specific expertise in healthy urban planning and design in the Illawarra Shoalhaven. Non-specialists interested in the work are invited to join the Friends of the COP. Please contact alexander@healthycities.org.au to get involved or if you have any questions.
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